free rider
The term "free rider" is commonly used in economics and social sciences to describe individuals who benefit from resources or services without contributing to their cost or maintenance.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Economics
(technical)An individual who benefits from a public good or service without contributing to its cost.
Example
- Public parks often face the free rider problem, as people can enjoy them without paying for their upkeep.
C1Social Science
(academic)Someone who takes advantage of a collective effort or resource without making a corresponding contribution.
Example
- In group projects, a free rider might receive the same grade as the rest of the team without doing any work.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "free rider":