Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun dead_weight

2 senses of dead weight

Sense 1
dead weight -- (an oppressive encumbrance)
       => burden, load, encumbrance, incumbrance, onus -- (an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind")

Sense 2
dead weight -- (a heavy motionless weight)
       => weight -- (the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity)