deadbeat dad

[ ded-beet dad ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadbeat dad¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

When marriages fail, the deadbeat dad is the norm in American society, not the exception.

From The Daily Beast