free-rider problem

proper noun

The situation where those who benefit from goods or resources do not pay for them, resulting in a lack of funding and subsequent underprovision.

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Meanings

proper noun
  1. economicsThe situation where those who benefit from goods or resources do not pay for them, resulting in a lack of funding and subsequent underprovision.
Cite this entry
APA

free-rider problem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/free-rider%20problem

MLA

“free-rider problem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/free-rider%20problem. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “free-rider problem,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/free-rider%20problem.

Source: free-rider problem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.