noun

freeloader

FREE-loh-duh

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Freeloader (noun) means a person who takes advantage of others' generosity without contributing or paying their fair share. Example: “His roommates got tired of him being a freeloader who never paid his share of the bills.”

noun

A person who takes advantage of others' generosity without contributing or paying their fair share.

"His roommates got tired of him being a freeloader who never paid his share of the bills."

How to use freeloader

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who benefits from others without giving anything back.

When to use it

Informal and mildly disapproving.

Common pairings

a total freeloader act like a freeloader

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: freeloaders

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His roommates got tired of him being a _____ who never paid his share of the bills.

Etymology

From "free" plus "load," with the agent suffix -er, originating in 1930s American slang.

· First attested 1930

Class of 1930 freeloader joined the language around 1930.

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Synonyms

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parasite sucker bummer gadfly sponge scrounge moocher mooch leech bloodsucker sponger scunge

Related words

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Rhymes for freeloader

Bader Nader leader trader grader reader header deader Loader invader crusader spreader

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Frequently asked questions

What does “freeloader” mean?

The word “freeloader” means a person who takes advantage of others' generosity without contributing or paying their fair share. In plain terms, someone who benefits from others without giving anything back.

How do you pronounce “freeloader”?

“Freeloader” is pronounced FREE-loh-duh (/ˈfɹiloʊdɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “freeloader” in a sentence?

Here is “freeloader” used in a sentence: “His roommates got tired of him being a freeloader who never paid his share of the bills.”

What part of speech is “freeloader”?

“Freeloader” is a noun.

Where does the word “freeloader” come from?

The word “freeloader” dates back to around 1930. From "free" plus "load," with the agent suffix -er, originating in 1930s American slang.

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