loser
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for loser, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Someone who fails to win a game, contest, or competition.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use loser
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
The insulting sense is informal and can be quite harsh — use with care, especially about real people.
Etymology
Formed from lose plus the agent suffix -er, meaning "one who loses."
Full origin of loser →Frequently asked questions
What does “loser” mean?
The word “loser” means someone who fails to win a game, contest, or competition. In plain terms, someone who loses, or (informally) someone looked down on as unsuccessful.
How do you pronounce “loser”?
“Loser” is pronounced loo-zuh (/luzɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “loser” in a sentence?
Here is “loser” used in a sentence: “The loser of the match shook hands graciously.”
What part of speech is “loser”?
“Loser” is a noun.
Is “loser” a common word?
“Loser” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “loser” have?
“Loser” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who fails to win a game, contest, or competition.
What is the difference between loser and looser?
Loser, with one o, is a noun meaning someone who fails to win, or an insult for a person seen as unsuccessful. Looser, with two o's, is the comparative form of the adjective loose and means less tight, as in a looser fit. Because the verb is lose, the person is a loser — mixing the two is one of the most common spelling errors in English.
Is calling someone a loser offensive?
In its informal sense, yes: it labels a person as unsuccessful, pathetic, or contemptible, so it is a genuine insult rather than mild teasing. The literal sense — the person or team that fails to win a game or contest — is neutral and simply the opposite of winner. Tone and context make clear which sense is intended.
What is a sore loser?
A sore loser is someone who reacts badly to defeat, complaining, sulking, or blaming others instead of accepting the result. The opposite is a good loser or gracious loser, who accepts losing politely. Both are fixed, everyday collocations in British and American English.
What is the difference between a loser and a runner-up?
A runner-up finishes second in a competition, and the word carries a sense of achievement. A loser is simply anyone who fails to win, and in casual speech it often sounds dismissive or insulting. Formal contexts such as award ceremonies prefer runner-up or finalist for exactly that reason.