What does dead weight means?

Question

I'm trying to figure out what they mean when they say,"He's dead weight!"

Answer 1

Lazy not pulling his weight.. everyone else has to pick up the slack

Answer 2

I will give you an example. So have you ever heard in a Movie or TV show that if you get taken hostage, as a human shield, you should drop your legs out from underneath you. the reason is that there is no way the hostage taker can support your wait and move at the same time. you are now dead weight (hypothetically) and are more of a limit than a helping factor. in this case your dead weight forces the hostage taker to abandon you, because you are useless to him.

Answer 3

   1.  The unrelieved weight of a heavy, motionless mass.

   2. An oppressive burden or difficulty.

   3. (Abbr. DW) The fixed weight of a structure or piece of equipment, such as a bridge on its supports. Also called dead load.

Answer 4

He's useless....