noun
Common
loser
loo-zuh
Loser (noun) means someone who fails to win a game, contest, or competition. Example: “Nobody wants to be the loser, but someone has to lose every game.”
noun
1
Someone who fails to win a game, contest, or competition.
"Nobody wants to be the loser, but someone has to lose every game."
"The losers of the first round were given a chance to play again."
"He was always a good loser."
"In a two-horse race there is always one winner and one loser."
"The loser of the match shook hands graciously."
2
An insulting, informal term for someone seen as unsuccessful, pathetic, or contemptible.
"He felt hurt when the older boys called him a loser at school."
"Calling someone a loser is unkind and says more about you than about them."
"Stop calling him a loser just because he didn't get the promotion."
How to use loser
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who loses, or (informally) someone looked down on as unsuccessful.
When to use it
The insulting sense is informal and can be quite harsh — use with care, especially about real people.
Common pairings
a total loser
call someone a loser
the losers of the contest
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Word forms
- Plural
- losers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nobody wants to be the _____, but someone has to lose every game.
Etymology
Formed from lose plus the agent suffix -er, meaning "one who loses."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for loser
See all rhymes for 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.
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