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

"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

Brooks, a career felon and deadbeat dad who owes more than $40,000 in unpaid child support, fell further behind on payments earlier this year and found himself in contempt of a Waukesha paternity court.

From Fox News • Nov. 30, 2021

Rep. John Conyers and, of course, Alabama politician Roy Moore, whom Meyers characterized as "a guy who looks like the Marlboro Man's deadbeat dad."

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2017

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