# loser

/ˈɫuzɝ/ (US) · /lˈuːzɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loser
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. one who fails to win

noun · CEFR A2

a person who loses a game, race, or competition.

For teachers: the participant in a contest or competition who does not achieve victory.

- The winner shook hands with the loser after the tennis match ended.
- In professional sports, even the loser of a championship final often receives significant media attention and a substantial consolation prize.

### 2. an unsuccessful person

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a person who is not successful in life or who has a very annoying personality.

For teachers: a derogatory term for an individual perceived as a failure or as socially inept.

- He felt like a loser after he lost his job and his car broke down.
- The protagonist of the novel is portrayed as a social loser who eventually finds confidence through an unexpected friendship.

### 3. a person who misplaces things

noun · CEFR B2

someone who often loses their belongings, like keys or a phone.

For teachers: an individual who habitually misplaces or fails to retain possession of items.

- I am such a loser of umbrellas; I have bought three this month.
- She admitted to being a chronic loser of car keys, which prompted her to install a smart tracker on her keychain.

### 4. a bad idea or bet

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a plan, idea, or bet that is likely to fail or result in a loss.

For teachers: a proposition, investment, or undertaking that is predictably unsuccessful or unprofitable.

- The investment looked like a loser from the very beginning.
- Market analysts quickly identified the new startup as a loser, citing its lack of a clear revenue model and high overhead costs.

## Examples

- The loser of the race still gets a medal for finishing.
- He felt like a total loser after he forgot his lines during the school play.
- While the official results named him the loser of the election, his supporters argued that the narrow margin of defeat actually signaled a growing political movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.