Dead Weight (Noun)
Meaning 1
A heavy motionless weight.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The hikers were carrying a dead weight of unnecessary supplies that only made their journey more difficult.
- The boat was nearly impossible to move with the large anchor as a dead weight.
- Lifting weights that are too heavy can result in you simply holding a dead weight.
- The exercise for toning triceps was particularly tricky as it required lifting a full dead weight with the tricep itself.
- Climbers often struggle with the dead weight of their own body when making ascending ascents up walls with minimal footholds.
Meaning 2
An oppressive encumbrance.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- The dead weight of his oppressive in-laws was becoming too much to bear during the holidays.
- Her oppressive mortgage payments felt like a dead weight dragging her further into debt each month.
- Unemployment felt like a dead weight bearing down on his self-esteem and motivation.
- The student felt the dead weight of her heavy course load, causing her to question her major.
- For the team, the struggling player was starting to become a dead weight, holding back their overall performance.