In the world of human relationships, you’ll often find some people who seem to take more than they give. These are folks who, knowingly or unknowingly, often end up using others’ kindness and resources for their own benefit. They’re the ones you might quietly label as ‘someone who uses people.’
But, using this term can provoke strong emotions and viewpoints. When you call someone this, you’re not just talking about how they act; you’re also showing your disapproval of a way of behaving that seems to go against the ideas of fairness and giving back.
That being said, we still need terms to refer to such people in everyday conversations. We have put together the best words you can use to call such a person.
11 Words That Describe Someone Who Uses People
- Exploiter
- User
- Leech
- Parasite
- Freeloader
- Mooch
- Sponge/Sponger
- Scrounger
- Opportunist
- Taker
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Someone who uses people usually forms relationships for their own benefit.
- You can use words like ‘exploiter’ to describe someone who misuses others, while ‘users’ are those who build relationships based on what they can get out of them.
- Terms like ‘leeches’ and ‘parasites’ refer to individuals who take from others without giving back, causing damage and imbalance in relationships.
5 Best Terms to Describe Someone Who Uses People
There are specific words that accurately describe this kind of behavior. These words do more than just explain the act; they also convey meanings that can help us understand what’s happening.
Let’s explore five of the best terms that capture the various aspects of being ‘someone who uses people.’
Exploiter
The word ‘exploiter’ strongly suggests the deliberate and often unfair use of another person for personal gain. Exploiters systematically approach relationships, viewing others primarily as sources to exploit or tools to utilize.
An exploiter might manipulate emotions, exploit vulnerabilities, or leverage power differences to coerce others into doing their bidding.
In a work setting, exploiters might overwork their employees without fair compensation. In personal relationships, they might misuse someone’s affection or loyalty.
To learn how to use “exploiter” in a sentence, look over these examples:
“He was an exploiter of his friends’ generosity, always using them for his own gain.“
“The exploiter manipulated the situation to his advantage, leaving others in a difficult position.“
“As an exploiter, he saw everyone as a tool to achieve his own goals.“
“The exploiter used his position of power to force his subordinates into working late hours.“
“She exploited her friend’s trust and used it to spread rumors.“
User
A ‘user’ in this context is a person who forms relationships based on what they can get from others rather than what they can offer.
Unlike the term ‘exploiter,’ which implies more aggressive and possibly harmful intent, a ‘user’ might simply seize opportunities, interacting with people when there’s something to gain.
This term can apply to many scenarios, from a friend who only calls when they need a favor, to a partner who stays in a relationship for convenience or material benefits. The user’s actions are typically self-focused and may leave others feeling undervalued and used.
Here are a few examples of using ‘user’ in conversation:
“He’s a user, who only calls me when he needs something.“
“She felt like a user after accepting the gifts but never reciprocating.“
“That man was a shameless user who only befriended those who could elevate his social status.“
“He’s a user, always borrowing money but never paying back.“
“The user leveraged his connections to get ahead, without ever helping others.“
“The user manipulated people’s emotions to get what he wanted.“
Leech
The term ‘leech’ vividly describes someone who latches onto others, draining their resources like time, money, or emotional energy, without giving anything back.
This term suggests a degree of dependency and helplessness from the leech, as well as a certain unawareness or lack of concern about the burden they place on others.
A leech might depend on friends or family members to constantly help them out of trouble or to provide for them, while offering little in return.
You can refer to these examples to learn how it works in a sentence:
“He’s a leech, always relying on his friends to pay for his meals.“
“She felt like a leech after living off her parents’ money for so long.“
“The leech drained his family’s resources without ever contributing.“
“Sam was a leech who used his charm to live off others’ generosity.“
“Her leechy boyfriend used her wealth to pay for his lifestyle.“
Parasite
The term ‘parasite’ usually indicates a one-sided relationship where one party benefits at the cost of another. This term draws a comparison between human behavior and the natural world, where parasitic organisms live off their hosts, often causing harm in the process.
In human terms, a parasite might be a roommate who never pitches in for household expenses, a coworker who takes credit for others’ work, or a family member who lives off others’ earnings without contributing.
The term ‘parasite’ suggests not just usage, but also harm and exploitation, and often implies that the host needs to eventually get rid of the parasite to restore balance and health to the relationship.
Here are a few examples of using “parasite” in sentences:
“He’s a parasite, living off his brother’s earnings without contributing a dime.“
“Joe is a parasite who always takes advantage of his roommate’s kindness and avoids paying rent.“
“At work, Manny is a parasite, always taking credit for others’ successes.“
“She felt like a parasite, constantly relying on her partner for everything.“
“The parasite lived off his wealthy girlfriend without ever contributing.“
“That parasite mooched off his partner’s wealth until he left her broke.“
Freeloader
Lastly, a ‘freeloader’ is someone who takes advantage of others’ kindness or resources without giving anything back. This term often carries a lighter, less harmful connotation than ‘exploiter’ or ‘parasite,’ but it still implies a lack of fairness and contribution.
A freeloader may be the person who always attends parties for the free food and drinks but never hosts or contributes themselves, or someone who lives in a shared space but avoids chores and expenses.
While freeloaders may not intentionally harm their benefactors, their actions can strain relationships and create resentment over time.
Here are a few examples that can explain the meaning and use of this word:
“He’s a freeloader, always eating at parties but never contributing.“
“Alexis is a complete freeloader who has been living with her friend rent-free.“
“The freeloader avoided all chores as well as expenses.“
“Dennis is such a freeloader, he’s always using his friends for their resources but never reciprocating.“
“The freeloader took advantage of his parents’ generosity without ever helping out.“
“He was a freeloader, always relying on others to pay his way.“
In conclusion, there are several terms that accurately describe someone who uses others for personal gain. Words like ‘exploiter’, ‘user’, ‘leech’, ‘parasite’, and ‘freeloader’ characterize different aspects of this behaviour. Understanding these terms can help us better navigate our interactions and relationships, ensuring we surround ourselves with those who value mutual respect, fairness, and genuine connection.
