Loser: meaning, definitions and examples

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loser

[ˈluːzər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

person

A person who is defeated or fails frequently in a particular activity.

Synonyms

defeatist, failure, underdog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loser	Someone who habitually fails or lacks success, often perceived negatively. Commonly used in informal or colloquial speech, sometimes to insult or criticize. He's such a loser He always gives up too easily She called him a loser after he lost the game
failure	A person or thing that does not succeed. May be used in professional or personal contexts and has a somewhat negative connotation. After several attempts, the project was considered a failure She felt like a failure when she didn't get the job
defeatist	Someone who expects or accepts failure easily, often having a pessimistic attitude. Typically used in more formal speech or writing. Stop being such a defeatist and try to find a solution! His defeatist attitude prevented him from even attempting to solve the problem
underdog	Someone who is expected to lose or has a disadvantage in a competition or struggle. Often used sympathetically to describe someone who fights against the odds. Everyone cheered for the underdog when he started gaining on the champion The sports team was the underdog in the match, but they played valiantly

Examples of usage

He was labeled as a loser after losing the championship match.
She felt like a loser when she failed the exam.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

insult

A person who is generally unsuccessful or unpopular.

Synonyms

outcast, unpopular, unsuccessful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loser	This term is often used in a derogatory way to describe someone who is frequently failing or perceived as not successful by societal standards. During the game, he was called a loser by his opponent She felt like a loser after not getting the job
unsuccessful	This word is used to describe someone or something that has not achieved desired results or goals. It is a neutral term compared to 'loser'. His business ventures were largely unsuccessful She felt unsuccessful in her efforts to learn the language
unpopular	This term refers to someone who lacks popularity or widespread approval, often among peers or within a specific group. Despite being talented, she was unpopular at school The new policy was very unpopular with employees
outcast	This word is usually used to describe someone who has been rejected or excluded from a social group or community. It often implies a sense of alienation. After the incident, he became an outcast in his village She felt like an outcast at her new school

Examples of usage

Don't listen to him, he's just calling you a loser because he's jealous.
She called him a loser for not being able to find a job.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English term 'loser,' which meant 'to fail' or 'to be defeated.'
It is derived from the Old French 'loser,' which also means 'to lose' or 'be defeated,' highlighting the term's long historical roots.
The use of 'loser' in sports slang began in the 19th century, emphasizing its connection to competition.

Pop Culture

In the 2000 film 'Loser,' the protagonist is a college student who struggles to fit in, turning the term into a relatable character archetype.
The word gained popularity in social commentary and memes, often used humorously to define characters in comical failures.
The phrase 'loser' became a significant part of high school dynamics, often used in bullying, which affects social interactions and self-esteem.

Psychology

Being labeled a 'loser' can impact self-esteem, leading to feelings of worthlessness or depression in some individuals.
Psychologically, the term reflects societal pressures and the human tendency to compare oneself with others, often creating an unfair self-assessment.
Resilience studies suggest that the experience of being labeled can motivate individuals to strive harder, challenging the negative connotation.

Sociology

The concept of being a 'loser' is often tied to social hierarchies, influencing how groups define success and failure.
In various cultures, definitions of what constitutes a 'loser' can vary widely, illustrating diverse social expectations.
The term may reflect deeper societal issues, such as economic disparity, where some individuals are unfairly judged based on circumstances beyond their control.

Literature

In literary works, protagonists often face trials that label them as 'losers' before overcoming adversity, showcasing growth and resilience.
Classic literature portrays characters labeled as 'losers' to critique societal norms and highlight the journey towards self-acceptance.
Many contemporary novels explore themes of identity and transformation, challenging the stigma associated with being seen as a 'loser.'

Translations

Translations of the word "loser" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perdedor

🇮🇳 हारने वाला

🇩🇪 Verlierer

🇮🇩 pecundang

🇺🇦 невдаха

🇵🇱 przegrany

🇯🇵 敗者 (はいしゃ)

🇫🇷 perdant

🇪🇸 perdedor

🇹🇷 kaybeden

🇰🇷 패자 (paeja)

🇸🇦 خاسر

🇨🇿 poražený

🇸🇰 porazený

🇨🇳 失败者 (shībàizhě)

🇸🇮 poraženec

🇮🇸 tapari

🇰🇿 жеңілген

🇬🇪 დამარცხებული

🇦🇿 məğlub

🇲🇽 perdedor

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,161, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16158 bouncing
16159 armchair
16160 infinitesimal
16161 loser
16162 foresaw
16163 laryngeal
16164 retirees
...