Freeloading: meaning, definitions and examples

unwanted dependence

Freeloading refers to the act of taking advantage of others' generosity or resources without giving anything in return. It often involves exploiting social relationships or systems to obtain free services or items. This behavior can lead to feelings of resentment among those who are providing the support. Moreover, freeloading is commonly viewed negatively as it undermines fairness and mutual support. In many cultures, it is frowned upon, as reciprocity is considered a fundamental principle in social interactions.

mooching, parasiting, scrounging, sponging

Examples of usage

• His freeloading habits strained our friendship.

• The group's freeloading member never contributes to any expenses.

• Freeloading can harm community trust and cooperation.