dead weight

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

ˈdead ˈweight or ˈdeadˈweight, n. [count;
usually singular]

1. the heavy weight of anything not moving.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dead′ weight′, 

1. the heavy, unrelieved weight of anything inert:
   The dead weight of the bear's body was over 300 pounds.
2. a heavy or oppressive burden or responsibility.
3. Transport the weight of a railroad car, truck, etc., as distinct from its load or contents.
Also, dead′weight′. 
• 1650–60

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dead weight noun

1. a heavy weight or load
2. an oppressive burden; encumbrance
3. the difference between the loaded and the unloaded weights of a ship
4. another name for dead load