Deadbeat

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdÉ›dbiːt/

Origin

dead + beat. See beat ("a cheat, a swindler").

Full definition of deadbeat

Noun

1. a lazy person
2. a person who defaults on his debts

Adjective

1. (of an instrument) having a damped needle that stops without oscillation
2. defaulting on one's debts
3. defeated or exhausted