NYT Dictionary
DEADBEAT
/ˈdɛdbiːt/NounAdjectiveDEAD-beatdead-beat · 2 syllablesGrade 5
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2023
Meaning
A lazy or irresponsible person who is often unemployed, often depending upon wealthy or otherwise financially independent people for support.
Etymology
Origin: Unknown
From dead + beat. As an adjective, of a person, to be exhausted, first use appears c. the 1820s. During the American Civil War, it also became a derogatory adjective, in the sense of "a person that defaults on their debts or avoids responsibilities" and "sponger", "vagabond". This sense dates from c. 1863. Possibly related to good for nothing.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: