deadbeat

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.

He laughed when I asked whether the U.S. could become a deadbeat borrower or release tainted data.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The fish-out-of-water comedy show followed the wealthy Rose family as they abruptly lose their money and mansion, and are forced to move into a shabby motel in a deadbeat town they bought as a joke.

From BBC • Jan. 30, 2026

Some critics say that the relationship between the couple is portrayed as too loving but Scorsese never pretends to hide the motivations that drive a deadbeat, grifter like Ernest.

From Salon • Oct. 30, 2023

In China’s housing market, there are plenty of deadbeat developers no longer paying their bills.

From New York Times • Aug. 15, 2023

I look over his shoulder, scanning for any of the deadbeat “friends” he left us for.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith