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deadweight

noun dead·weight \ ˈded-ˈwāt \
|Updated on: 18 Jun 2018

Definition of deadweight

1 : the unrelieved weight of an inert mass
2 : dead load
3 : a ship's load including the total weight of cargo, fuel, stores, crew, and passengers

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Recent Examples of deadweight from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'deadweight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of deadweight

1659

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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  1. See words that rhyme with deadweight Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about deadweight

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