hanger-on

[ hang-er-on, -awn ]

noun

, plural hang·ers-on.

1. a person who remains in a place or joins a group, another person, etc., especially in the hope or expectation of personal gain, even though their presence may be neither wanted nor needed.

   Synonyms: follower, sycophant, parasite, toady

hanger-on

noun

1. a sycophantic follower or dependant, esp one hoping for personal gain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hanger-on¹

1540–50; noun use of verb phrase hang on; -er ¹

Example Sentences

She sees him for the talentless, wanna-be-famous hanger-on that he is.

From The Daily Beast

The pesky hanger-on evidently possessed an understanding of my immune system that allopathic medicine has yet to match.

From The Daily Beast

While still in humble circumstances and obscure, he was a hanger-on in the suit of the Governor of Africa.

From Project Gutenberg

"I am a bookseller's hanger-on—you are going to try your paces as a hack," Warrington said, with a laugh.

From Project Gutenberg

Rupert, his son, was but a penniless hanger-on at the royal court; the manor of Lorne a fire-gutted wreckage.

From Project Gutenberg

Nor can such a person be a mere fribble; nor can any loose hanger-on of fashion imagine he may assume the character.

From Project Gutenberg

I must be mighty careful or I'll lose my point of view and become a wretched hanger-on at the skirts of these fakers.

From Project Gutenberg