loser

noun

los·​er ˈlü-zər How to pronounce loser (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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 Read more Winners and losers of NBA draft lottery: What Spurs' win means for Victor Wembanyama, NBA. USA TODAY, 17 May 2023 But much of the controversy focused on the winners and the losers of the pricing updates — and not the fact that the most creditworthy borrowers with large down payments would still pay much less. Tara Siegel Bernard, New York Times, 8 May 2023 The debt ceiling standoff could also be a political loser, with both sides dug in ahead of a potential default next month — Republicans united around spending cuts and Biden trying to pressure them to change their minds and support a clean increase. Chuck Todd, NBC News, 8 May 2023 Toenails are for losers The rain picked up around mile 10, and so did the pain in my knees, my left heel, my hip flexors and more. The Arizona Republic, 6 May 2023 Republicans who wish to rid themselves of their present loser mentality should rest assured that the hostages can be safely shot because the hostages do not actually exist. Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 3 May 2023 Derby draw winners and losers:Todd Pletcher's trio in prime position, Japanese horses get tough posts Race 2 picks: 8-1-10 No. 8 Sonofaship broke on top from a middle post in his previous race then backed up a bit before rallying for second. Ed Derosa, The Courier-Journal, 2 May 2023 More Patriots draft coverage NFL Draft: Winners, losers, and Patriots takeaways from Night 2 The Patriots have nine picks on Saturday. Conor Roche, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Apr. 2023 Instead, their three-game series this week could decide an automatic playoff berth, with the loser sweating it out to see if there are any at-large spots in Division 1. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'loser.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loser was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near loser

Cite this Entry

“Loser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loser. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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