dead weight

NOUN

clog

Synonyms

STRONG

bar block blockade burden drag encumbrance hindrance impedance impediment obstruction snag

WEAK

cumbrance

Antonyms

STRONG

advantage aid assistance help opening promotion support

WEAK

clearance

NOUN

impediment

Synonyms

STRONGEST

barrier bottleneck burden defect deterrent difficulty disadvantage drawback flaw handicap hazard hitch hurdle inhibition obstacle red tape restriction setback snag stumbling block

STRONG

bar barricade block blockage catch chain check clog cramp curb delay detriment drag encumbrance fault holdup load manacle millstone prohibition restraint retardation rub shackle stoppage stricture tie trammel wall

WEAK

Catch-22 retardment road block

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit blessing boon freedom help opening perfection strength

STRONG

allowance clearance liberation permission

WEAK

facilitation furtherance support

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The factory sector no longer looks like dead weight.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

Now he had been deemed dead weight in Italy, too.

From New York Times • May 31, 2024

Misguided, opinionated labor is dead weight; the high-up leaders know best, which is why they’ve earned the positions they have to begin with.

From Slate • Sep. 14, 2023

“I thought I was dead weight / But you wanna carry me / You wanna carry me home,” she sings on the track, gritty guitar sounds behind her.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 25, 2023

Maurice and Robert skewered the carcass, lifted the dead weight, and stood ready.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

dead weight

Example Sentences

Related Words