Loser
ˈluːzər
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who loses a competition, battle, or game; a person who is unsuccessful or fails at something.
ˈluːzər
A person or team that loses a game, contest, or battle.
The underdog team surprised everyone by becoming the loser.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game, and you don't win. That means you're the loser! It's not always fun, but it happens.
👶 For kids: Someone who doesn't win a game or a race.
More Examples
After the tournament, the loser went home disappointed.
She felt like a loser when she forgot her lines during the play.
How It's Used
"The losing team had to accept their defeat with grace."
"He felt like a loser after failing the exam."
A person who is considered unsuccessful, unpopular, or socially inept. Often used informally and pejoratively.
ˈluːzər
A person who is considered unattractive or socially inept.
Some people unfairly label those who are different as losers.
💡 Simply: If someone isn't cool or doesn't fit in, sometimes people call them a loser. It's not very nice, but it means they feel left out.
👶 For kids: Someone who is not cool or popular.
More Examples
He used to be seen as a loser, but he's now very successful.
She tried not to act like a loser when she was around her friends.
How It's Used
"He was called a loser because he didn't fit in with the popular crowd."
"Stop being such a loser and come out with us!"
Idioms & expressions
a sore loser
Someone who gets angry or upset when they lose.
"He's a sore loser; he throws his toys when he doesn't win."
lose face
To experience shame or embarrassment; to suffer a loss of reputation or prestige.
"He didn't want to lose face in front of his colleagues, so he agreed with the plan."
From Middle English losere, equivalent to lose + -er. The sense of 'person who fails' developed in the 19th century.
The term 'loser' in its current pejorative sense has gained prominence since the late 20th century, though the basic sense of one who fails has a longer history.