Definitions

fifth wheel

[fifth weel, hweel, fith] / ˈfɪfθ ˈwil, ˈʰwil, ˈfɪθ /

NOUN

somebody or something unnecessary

Synonyms

WEAK

deadwood hanger-on lagniappe spare spare tire superfluity third wheel triviality

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When France discovered that the United States, Australia and Britain had secretly negotiated a submarine technology deal, effectively scuttling a separate Franco-Australian agreement, French officials mocked Britain as a “fifth wheel on the carriage.”

From Washington Post

The son attempted to back his truck and fifth wheel trailer from the street up the incline of the driveway, Huserik said.

From Seattle Times

“Great Britain in this matter is a bit of a fifth wheel on the carriage,” Le Drian said in the France 2 interview.

From Washington Post

“Gene therapy is taking a fifth wheel and putting it somewhere on the car and hoping it runs. Gene editing is repairing the flat.”

From Scientific American

Tiny houses are generally inexpensive, have more amenities than a travel trailer or fifth wheel, and are easily transportable from place to place.

From Washington Times