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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

goners plural

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If the brakes give out on that hill, we're _____.

Etymology

Formed from "gone" plus the agent suffix "-er"; first recorded around 1850.

· First attested 1850

Class of 1850 goner joined the language around 1850.

Bunsen capitalism Indonesia opt shebang

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Rhymes for goner

boner loner toner stoner Sooner Kroner Broner coroner crooner spooner prisoner schooner

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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.