quitter

Everyday

1. (informal, negative) A person who gives up easily instead of trying hard or finishing something. tree →
2. Someone who stops doing a habit, like a smoker who quits (neutral, rare). tree →

In the lessons

In sport, school and stories, being called a quitter is an insult; coaches say «Don't be a quitter» and «Winners never quit». It encourages perseverance. Sometimes it is sensible to stop something unsafe — that is not being a quitter. Phrases: «I'm no quitter», «don't be a quitter», «quitters never win».

Examples

• "I'm not a quitter," she said, and tried the puzzle again. tree →
• Quitters never win, and winners never quit. tree →
• Don't be a quitter — finish the race! tree →
• He felt like a quitter when he left the team. tree →
• Coach says nobody on our team is a quitter. tree →
• My uncle is a happy quitter: he stopped smoking last year. tree →

Note

Countable: quitters. Spelling: double t (quit → quitter). Informal and a bit unkind; use carefully. Stopping something dangerous is wise, not quitting.