In any relationship, whether personal or professional, there exists an intrinsic understanding that for ties to remain strong and mutually beneficial, a certain level of reciprocity is required between parties.
While giving without expectation of return can often be a noble act of kindness, constantly receiving without contributing in equal measure drains goodwill and fosters feelings of being taken advantage of.
We’ve all likely encountered someone who always seems to receive our help, time and generosity yet is sparing with their own.
For such an individual, whose actions exhibit them to be someone who always takes and never gives, here are 15 words that aptly capture and characterize their selfish behavior.
15 Words To Call A Person Who Always Takes And Never Gives
- Predator
- Scavenger
- Exploiter
- Selfish
- Benefit-seeker
- Self-centered
- Inconsiderate
- Stingy
- Opportunistic
- Self-serving
- Self-absorbed
- Greed-driven
- Self-indulgent
- Unreciprocating
- Noncontributing
1. Predator
The term ‘predator’ is often used metaphorically to describe someone who consistently takes advantage of others without offering anything in return.
In the animal kingdom, predators are known for their ability to stalk and capture their prey, solely for their own benefit.
Similarly, when applied to human behavior, the label ‘predator’ signifies someone who preys on the goodwill, resources, or vulnerabilities of others.
This individual exhibits a pattern of manipulation, often charming others to gain their trust before exploiting them for personal gain.
Just like a predator in the wild, they are relentless in their pursuit of their own interests, regardless of the consequences for those they exploit.
This term serves as a powerful descriptor for someone who habitually takes and never gives, emphasizing their predatory nature and lack of regard for others’ well-being.
2. Scavenger
The term ‘scavenger’ is an apt word to describe an individual who always takes and never gives. In nature, scavengers feed off the remains left behind by others, relying on the efforts and resources of others without contributing anything themselves.
Similarly, in human interactions, a scavenger is someone who opportunistically takes advantage of the efforts and generosity of others, exploiting their resources or kindness for personal gain. They have a keen ability to detect and exploit opportunities, often without considering the impact on others.
The term ‘scavenger’ conveys a sense of opportunism, highlighting the individual’s lack of reciprocity and their tendency to thrive at the expense of others.
Calling someone a scavenger draws attention to their parasitic behavior and emphasizes their constant taking without giving back.
3. Exploiter
The term ‘exploiter’ is a powerful word that accurately describes an individual who consistently takes advantage of others without offering anything in return.
This term denotes someone who manipulates or abuses their position of power or influence to benefit themselves while disregarding the well-being or needs of others.
An exploiter is skilled at identifying vulnerabilities or weaknesses in others and using them to their advantage, often at the expense of the exploited individuals.
By exploiting others’ resources, labor, or emotions, the exploiter gains an unfair advantage or benefit for themselves without reciprocating or acknowledging the contribution of others. Describing someone as an exploiter highlights their lack of empathy, their selfishness, and their relentless pursuit of personal gain.
4. Selfish
Selfish is a word that perfectly captures the essence of someone who always takes and never gives. A selfish person is primarily concerned with their own desires, needs, and interests, often at the expense of others.
They have little regard for the well-being or happiness of those around them and prioritize their own gain above all else. Their actions reflect a lack of empathy and a blatant disregard for the concept of reciprocity.
Selfish individuals tend to take advantage of others’ generosity without offering anything in return, making this word a fitting descriptor for someone who always takes and never gives.
5. Benefit-seeker
A benefit-seeker is someone who is constantly on the lookout for personal advantages or gains. They approach relationships and interactions with the sole purpose of extracting as much benefit as possible, without any intention of reciprocating or contributing back.
Benefit-seekers are opportunistic individuals who strategically position themselves to maximize their own advantage, often disregarding the impact their actions have on others.
They take advantage of the goodwill and resources of those around them without considering the consequences or offering any form of recompense. Thus, calling someone a benefit-seeker highlights their tendency to always take and never give.
6. Self-centered
Being self-centered refers to an individual who is excessively focused on themselves, their own needs, and their own desires. Such individuals lack the ability to empathize with others and are primarily concerned with their own well-being and satisfaction.
They have an inflated sense of self-importance and tend to prioritize their own interests above all else. A self-centered person exhibits a consistent pattern of taking from others without reciprocating, as they believe their own needs supersede any obligation to give back.
This word effectively describes someone who always takes and never gives, as their actions and mindset are centered solely around their own desires and benefits.
7. Inconsiderate
When describing someone who always takes and never gives, the term ‘inconsiderate’ is highly appropriate. This word encapsulates the lack of thought or concern that the person exhibits towards others.
They prioritize their own needs and desires without considering how their actions may impact those around them. Whether it’s constantly asking for favors without offering anything in return or consistently taking advantage of others’ generosity, an inconsiderate person demonstrates a disregard for the feelings and needs of others.
Their self-centered behavior leaves little room for empathy or reciprocity, making this word a fitting description of their actions.
8. Stingy
A person who always takes and never gives can often be referred to as ‘stingy.’ This term emphasizes their unwillingness to share or contribute, even when they have the means to do so. Stinginess is characterized by a reluctance to part with resources, whether it be money, time, or effort.
Such individuals are often seen as excessively frugal, constantly finding excuses to avoid contributing or helping others.
They may be hesitant to lend a helping hand or contribute to a group effort, instead choosing to prioritize their own interests above all else.
Using the term ‘stingy’ effectively conveys the idea that this person is excessively self-focused and unwilling to extend themselves for the benefit of others.
9. Opportunistic
Describing someone who always takes and never gives as ‘opportunistic’ highlights their tendency to exploit favorable circumstances for personal gain.
These individuals are skilled at identifying situations where they can benefit without having to offer anything in return. They are constantly on the lookout for advantageous positions, often at the expense of others.
Whether it’s taking credit for someone else’s work, manipulating situations to their advantage, or seizing opportunities without considering the impact on others, opportunistic individuals prioritize their own interests above any sense of fairness or reciprocity.
This term accurately captures their knack for capitalizing on circumstances while disregarding the importance of giving back or contributing to others.
10. Self-serving
The term ‘self-serving’ perfectly describes the behavior of someone who always takes and never gives. It refers to individuals who are solely concerned with their own interests and benefits, often at the expense of others.
They are driven by a relentless pursuit of personal gain, disregarding any sense of reciprocity or consideration for others. Self-serving individuals prioritize their own needs, desires, and ambitions above all else, often manipulating situations or people to achieve their goals.
They exploit the generosity and goodwill of others without offering anything in return, leaving a trail of unfulfilled promises and unmet expectations.
By using the term ‘self-serving’ to describe such individuals, we highlight their one-sided approach to relationships and interactions, shedding light on their lack of empathy and genuine concern for others.
11. Self-absorbed
When we call someone ‘self-absorbed,’ we are referring to their excessive preoccupation with themselves and their own needs, often to the detriment of those around them.
These individuals display a lack of awareness or interest in the feelings, perspectives, and needs of others. They are so consumed by their own thoughts, desires, and concerns that they become oblivious to the impact their actions have on others.
Someone who is self-absorbed will consistently take from others without ever considering reciprocation or offering assistance or support.
Their self-centeredness blinds them to the importance of give-and-take in relationships, resulting in a one-sided dynamic where they consistently take while giving little or nothing in return.
Describing someone as ‘self-absorbed’ highlights their egocentric nature and their inability to see beyond their own wants and needs.
12. Greed-driven
The term ‘greed-driven’ captures the behavior of someone who always takes and never gives. It describes individuals who are fueled by an insatiable desire for more, constantly seeking to accumulate wealth, power, or resources without any regard for the well-being or needs of others.
Greed-driven individuals prioritize their own gain over any sense of fairness or reciprocity. They are willing to exploit others or manipulate situations to achieve their goals, often leaving a trail of broken promises and unfulfilled commitments.
Their actions stem from an unchecked hunger for personal gain, displaying a lack of moral compass or consideration for the consequences of their actions.
13. Self-indulgent
The term ‘self-indulgent’ is a fitting word to describe someone who always takes and never gives. This word encapsulates the essence of someone who excessively focuses on their own desires and pleasures without considering the needs or contributions of others.
A self-indulgent person is consistently driven by their own self-interest, often prioritizing their own comfort and satisfaction over any form of reciprocity or contribution.
They may constantly seek personal gratification, whether it’s through material possessions, attention, or other forms of self-centered pursuits.
In essence, the term ‘self-indulgent’ accurately highlights the selfish nature of individuals who consistently take without ever giving, emphasizing their lack of consideration for others and their persistent self-centeredness.
14. Unreciprocating
The word ‘unreciprocating’ vividly characterizes someone who always takes and never gives. This term highlights their consistent failure to reciprocate or return the favors, kindness, or contributions they receive from others.
An unreciprocating individual displays a lack of gratitude or appreciation for the generosity extended to them, seemingly oblivious to the importance of mutual exchange and the interconnectedness of relationships.
They may readily accept help, support, or resources without ever demonstrating any inclination to give back in any meaningful way.
15. Noncontributing
The word ‘noncontributing’ effectively captures the essence of someone who always takes and never gives. This term emphasizes the individual’s consistent lack of contribution or participation in any meaningful manner.
A noncontributing person is someone who does not actively engage or invest their time, energy, or resources into situations or relationships.
They often display a passive or apathetic attitude, seemingly content with benefiting from the efforts and contributions of others without making any effort to reciprocate.
In social settings, a noncontributing individual may remain on the sidelines, rarely offering their assistance, insights, or support when needed.
Wrap Up
The concept of ‘takers’ and ‘givers’ is a widely discussed topic in the realm of human behavior and relationships. While some individuals naturally tend towards giving more than they receive, others may find themselves consistently taking from others without reciprocating.
This article has explored the idea that there are certain words and phrases that can be used to describe people who always take and never give, and how these behaviors can impact our personal and professional relationships.
It’s important to recognize that being a giver doesn’t mean we should sacrifice our own needs and desires for the sake of others.
Rather, it means finding a balance between giving and receiving and being mindful of how our actions affect those around us. By being aware of our own tendencies and biases, we can work towards creating healthier and more equitable relationships with others
