loser
n.-
1 one who fails to win (n.) A2 Elementary Sporta person who loses a game, race, or competition.
the participant in a contest or competition who does not achieve victory.
ExampleThe winner shook hands with the loser after the tennis match ended.
ExampleIn professional sports, even the loser of a championship final often receives significant media attention and a substantial consolation prize.
- runner up
- defeated
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2 an unsuccessful person (n.) B1 Intermediate Informala person who is not successful in life or who has a very annoying personality.
a derogatory term for an individual perceived as a failure or as socially inept.
ExampleHe felt like a loser after he lost his job and his car broke down.
ExampleThe protagonist of the novel is portrayed as a social loser who eventually finds confidence through an unexpected friendship.
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3 a person who misplaces things (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomeone who often loses their belongings, like keys or a phone.
an individual who habitually misplaces or fails to retain possession of items.
ExampleI am such a loser of umbrellas; I have bought three this month.
ExampleShe admitted to being a chronic loser of car keys, which prompted her to install a smart tracker on her keychain.
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4 a bad idea or bet (n.) C1 Advanced Informala plan, idea, or bet that is likely to fail or result in a loss.
a proposition, investment, or undertaking that is predictably unsuccessful or unprofitable.
ExampleThe investment looked like a loser from the very beginning.
ExampleMarket analysts quickly identified the new startup as a loser, citing its lack of a clear revenue model and high overhead costs.
- failure
- dud
From Middle English loser, losere, equivalent to lose + -er. In the sense of contemptible or worthless individual, perhaps an alteration of losel, which see.