noun
loser
loo-zuh
noun
1
Someone who fails to win a game, contest, or competition.
"The loser of the match shook hands graciously."
2
An insulting, informal term for someone seen as unsuccessful, pathetic, or contemptible.
"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
Word Forms
losers plural, Losers plural
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The _____ of the match shook hands graciously.
Etymology
Formed from lose plus the agent suffix -er, meaning "one who loses."