noun
goner
GO-nuh
Goner (noun) means someone or something considered beyond saving — doomed to fail, break, or die. Example: “If the brakes give out on that hill, we're goners.”
noun
1
Someone or something considered beyond saving — doomed to fail, break, or die.
"If the brakes give out on that hill, we're goners."
"The old laptop was a goner the moment it hit the floor."
How to use goner
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone or something that's doomed — there's no coming back from this one.
When to use it
Informal; common in spoken English and casual writing.
Common pairings
we're goners
a total goner
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Word forms
- Plural
- goners
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
If the brakes give out on that hill, we're _____.
Etymology
Formed from "gone" plus the agent suffix "-er"; first recorded around 1850.
Class of 1850
goner joined the language around 1850.
See the full Class of 1850 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for goner
See all rhymes for goner →Frequently asked questions
What does “goner” mean?
The word “goner” means someone or something considered beyond saving — doomed to fail, break, or die. In plain terms, someone or something that's doomed — there's no coming back from this one.
How do you pronounce “goner”?
“Goner” is pronounced GO-nuh (/ˈɡɔːnɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “goner” in a sentence?
Here is “goner” used in a sentence: “If the brakes give out on that hill, we're goners.”
What part of speech is “goner”?
“Goner” is a noun.
Where does the word “goner” come from?
The word “goner” dates back to around 1850. Formed from "gone" plus the agent suffix "-er"; first recorded around 1850.
