loser

noun

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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Eleanor’s view Trump has never liked a loser. Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 12 Mar. 2026 The winner would draw Korea in the quarterfinals and the loser would get Japan, a reward and a warning all in one. Noah Gulley, Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026 Soto hit a two-run home run in the first inning off loser Eduardo Rodriguez, his second of this year’s tournament and the fourth of his WBC career — tying Nelson Cruz and Adrián Beltré for the most in his nation’s history. Dallas Morning News, 11 Mar. 2026 Continue reading … CAPITOL CHAOS — House GOP fears primary losers could jeopardize razor-thin majority. FOXNews.com, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loser

Word History

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loser was in 1548

Cite this Entry

“Loser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loser. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on loser

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster