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

Every one of those contracts produces a winner and a loser, and every winner owes the IRS money on the same terms as someone cashing a winning lottery ticket. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

Still, as The Hollywood Reporter noted two years ago when the deals were first announced, Hollywood is emerging as a loser. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

The losers of the quarterfinals can still secure a spot in the Women's World Cup. — ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026

Critics, including some Republicans and economists, warn against the state picking winners and losers. — James K. Glassman, Forbes.com, 12 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