Deadbeat: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'deadbeat' originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It combines 'dead,' meaning completely or absolutely, and 'beat,' meaning tired or exhausted. The term was originally used to describe a horse that was exhausted and unable to continue working. Over time, it evolved to refer to a person who is lazy or avoids work.

See also: dead, deaden, deadline, deadliness, deadlock, deadly, deadness, deadpan, undead.

Ranking #35,909, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 35906 furl
• 35907 commiserated
• 35908 cribbage
• 35909 deadbeat
• 35910 mender
• 35911 gondolier
• 35912 bleaker
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