free agent

noun

1. a person who is self-determining and is not responsible for their actions to any authority.
2. a professional athlete who is not under contract and is free to auction off their services and sign a contract with the team that offers the most money.

free agent

noun

1. a person whose actions are not constrained by others

Other Words From

• free agency free agentry noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of free agent¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

He’s not a free agent, but he’s on the verge of becoming a lame duck.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the fact the team is even entertaining a meeting with this year’s top free agent suggests the Dodgers, for all the spending they did last offseason, aren’t tightening their purse strings yet.

From Los Angeles Times

Had Sasaki waited two more years, he would have been free to sign like a normal free agent.

From Los Angeles Times

“We knew he had us one,” said Fulton, who joined the Chargers in the offseason as a free agent.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Kershaw had a player option for at least $10 million next season, he evidently declined it Monday, with the Major League Baseball Players Assn. listing him as a free agent.

From Los Angeles Times