English vocabulary · B2
Ingrate
/ˈɪnɡreɪt/ · n.
It means a person who shows no thanks for help or kindness. This person receives something good and gives nothing back.
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Example sentences
- After all we did, he left without a word — a true ingrate.
- She called her own brother an ingrate for never helping the family.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- in — not (from Latin)
- grat — thankful (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FREELOADER — one who takes without paying (Takes Without Giving)
- MOOCHER — one who always asks for things (Casual & Persistent)
- TAKER — one who only takes, never gives (Self-Centered Pattern)
Words with the same root
grat — thankful
- grateful — feeling or showing thanks
- gratitude — the feeling of being thankful
- gratify — to please or satisfy someone
Lesson notes
Ingrate. It means a person who shows no thanks for help or kindness. This person receives something good and gives nothing back.
Similar words are freeloader, moocher, and taker. Use ingrate when someone never shows thanks for what others do.
After all we did, he left without a word — a true ingrate. She called her own brother an ingrate for never helping the family.
From Latin. in- means not. grat- means thankful. Not thankful: that is an ingrate.