"dead weight" vs "dead-weight"

Question

"dead weight" vs "dead-weight"

Both "dead-weight" and "dead weight" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Dead-weight" is commonly used as a compound adjective to describe something heavy or burdensome, while "dead weight" is used to refer to a heavy or unresponsive mass. The choice between the hyphenated and non-hyphenated forms depends on the specific usage and meaning intended.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

The term "dead weight" is used to refer to a heavy or unresponsive mass. It is not hyphenated and is typically used in a literal sense.

Alternatives:

heavy mass
unresponsive load
lifeless weight
inert mass
motionless burden

The term "dead-weight" is used as a compound adjective to describe something heavy or burdensome. It is typically hyphenated to show that it functions as a single concept.

Alternatives:

heavy burden
weighty problem
cumbersome load
burdensome task
onerous responsibility

Answer 1

dead weight

This is a correct term used to refer to a heavy or unresponsive mass.

Answer 2

dead-weight

This is a correct compound adjective commonly used in English.

"dead weight" vs "dead-weight"

dead weight

dead-weight

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