deadbeat dad

American  

[ded-beet dad] / ˈdɛd bit ˈdæd /

noun

Informal.

1. a father who neglects his responsibilities as a parent, especially one who does not pay child support.

   The deadbeat dad was forced to pay a lump sum of over $10,000 to settle the case.

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Etymology

Origin of deadbeat dad

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

So therefore I get this deadbeat dad title.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2023

Then there’s Jack, a winsome salesman, deadbeat dad and calculating liar who might also be a damaged dreamer.

From Washington Post • Feb. 16, 2023

"He'd be treated like a deadbeat dad not paying child support," said Minor Myers, a professor of UConn School of Law.

From Reuters • Jul. 13, 2022

It is hard to know what is worse: a deadbeat dad or a deadbeat granddad.

From Washington Times • Apr. 11, 2022

A single-parent home is all I’ve ever known, and Lucy more than made up for some deadbeat dad.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy