bummer

1 of 2

noun (1)

bum·​mer ˈbə-mər 

: one that bums

bummer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

a

: an unpleasant experience

specifically : a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug

b

: something that is unpleasant or disappointing

You can't go? What a bummer!

2

: failure, flop

Synonyms of bummer

Noun (1)

• accident
• bore
• downer

Noun (2)

• hobo
• beggar
• bum
• transient
• tramp
• swaggie

Examples of bummer in a Sentence

Noun (1)

boy, breaking your leg right before vacation is a bummer

the cancellation of the holiday office party was a total bummer

that new start-up company proved to be a real bummer

Noun (2)

a lifelong bummer, he never knew the satisfaction of having to work for a living

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The only bummer is that, unlike a massive iOS update for iPhone wielders, users outside of the enthusiast corral may miss some of the under-the-hood enhancements brought on by Android 17. —Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 16 June 2026

Certainly not from the game itself; basketball moves fast, and a bummer can become a bust in a blink. —Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

While this news is a bummer for points and miles aficionados, everyday travelers and cashback rewards fans will barely notice the change. —Katherine Fan, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 June 2026

That’s an ironic bummer considering the stadium itself was a key reason Kansas City was awarded six games in the 48-nation competition. —Kansas City Star, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of German Bummler loafer, from bummeln to dangle, loaf

Noun (2)

bum entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1855, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for bummer

• comer
• drummer
• dumber
• hummer
• plumber
• plummer
• somer
• summer
• trimer
• midsummer
• newcomer

Kids Definition

bummer

noun

bum·​mer

ˈbəm-ər

1

: an unpleasant experience, event, or situation

2

: something that fails : flop

Etymology

Noun

²bum