1. relating to or characteristic of a parasite; living on or in another organism
Usage: biological
2. depending on others for support without giving anything in return
Usage: often disapproving

Examples

• The parasitical fungus weakened the host plant.
• Mistletoe has a parasitical relationship with oak trees.
• He criticized the parasitical behavior of those who lived off others’ work.
• The parasitical organism cannot survive without its host.
• She accused him of having a parasitical attitude toward his wealthy friends.
• Many parasitical species have evolved specialized feeding mechanisms.