loser

Everyday

1. A person or team that loses a game, race or competition. tree →
2. (rude slang) A person thought to be unsuccessful or not cool — an unkind insult. tree →
3. Someone who reacts in a certain way when they lose: «a good loser», «a bad loser». tree →

In the lessons

In sports and games, every match has winners and losers; being a «good loser» means shaking hands and saying «well played», not sulking. In friendship lessons, calling someone a loser is name-calling and hurtful. Phrases: «good loser», «bad/sore loser», «the loser pays».

Examples

• The loser of the race shook hands with the winner. tree →
• Be a good loser and congratulate the other team. tree →
• Don't be a sore loser — it's only a game. tree →
• Calling someone a loser is mean. tree →
• Both teams played well; there were no real losers. tree →
• The loser of the coin toss had to go first. tree →
• He's a bad loser and always says the game was unfair. tree →
• In this game, the loser is the one with the most cards left. tree →

Note

Countable. Spelling trap: «loser» (one o, said LOO-zer, from «lose») — not «looser» (more loose, from «loose»). Verb: lose, lost; noun: loss.