noun
quitter
KWIH-tuh
Quitter (noun) means someone who gives up too easily instead of finishing what they started. Example: “Don't be a quitter — finish the race even if you're last.”
noun
1
Someone who gives up too easily instead of finishing what they started.
"Don't be a quitter — finish the race even if you're last."
"He quit the team after one bad game; everyone called him a quitter."
2
Someone who has successfully stopped a bad habit, especially smoking or drinking.
"As a proud quitter of ten years, she still keeps a lighter in her drawer as a reminder."
How to use quitter
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA person who gives up on something, or one who has broken free of a habit.
Common mistake
Context decides the meaning — "quitter" can be an insult (gives up too easily) or a compliment (beat an addiction).
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Word forms
- Plural
- quitters
- Third person singular
- quitters
- Past tense
- quittered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't be a _____ — finish the race even if you're last.
Etymology
Traces back to a Middle English word for a burn mark or scar, ultimately linked to a French verb meaning "to cook" — the modern sense of "one who quits" developed separately in English.
Rhymes for quitter
See all rhymes for quitter →Frequently asked questions
What does “quitter” mean?
The word “quitter” means someone who gives up too easily instead of finishing what they started. In plain terms, a person who gives up on something, or one who has broken free of a habit.
How do you pronounce “quitter”?
“Quitter” is pronounced KWIH-tuh (/ˈkwɪ.tə/ in IPA).
How do you use “quitter” in a sentence?
Here is “quitter” used in a sentence: “Don't be a quitter — finish the race even if you're last.”
What part of speech is “quitter”?
“Quitter” is a noun.
Where does the word “quitter” come from?
The word “quitter” comes from French. Traces back to a Middle English word for a burn mark or scar, ultimately linked to a French verb meaning "to cook" — the modern sense of "one who quits" developed separately in English.
How many meanings does “quitter” have?
“Quitter” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who gives up too easily instead of finishing what they started.
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