loser

noun

los·​er ˈlü-zər 

1

: a person or thing that loses especially consistently

The team had a reputation for being a loser year after year.

2

: a person who is incompetent or unable to succeed

Don't waste your time on that loser.

also : something doomed to fail or disappoint

… his position is a loser politically …

—Fred Barnes

Synonyms of loser

• disaster
• failure
• catastrophe
• disappointment

Examples of loser in a Sentence

The team had a reputation for being a loser year after year.

The loser of the bet has to buy drinks for the winner.

Whoever benefits from the new government programs, the real loser will be the American taxpayer.

That guy is a born loser.

Recent Examples on the Web

Michael Zheng, the recent graduate of Columbia College, will play Arthur Géa, a lucky loser from France, for a spot in the round of 16. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

The big loser was the information sector, where an average decline of 8,000 per month over the past year ballooned to 23,000 in August. — Laurent Belsie, Christian Science Monitor, 4 Sep. 2026

Here’s a look at how the global economy has weathered the war — and the winners and losers. — Matt Sedensky, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

Dublin losers have not fared well Rather than start the season 1-0 for the second consecutive season by defeating Belichick’s Tar Heels, TCU instead joined the growing list of favorites who left Dublin with an upset loss. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing loser

• bad/poor loser
• good loser
• sore loser

Rhymes for loser

• boozer
• bruiser
• chooser
• cruiser
• user
• abuser
• accuser
• diffuser
• multiuser