a person or team that does not win a game, contest, or election
After the final whistle, the loser shook hands with the winning team.
In a race there can be only one winner and many losers.
✦ Formed from the verb “lose” + the agentive suffix “-er,” first recorded in the 16th century to denote someone who loses.
informal and slightly insulting word for someone thought to be unsuccessful, unpopular, or lacking confidence
Henry felt like a loser when he couldn't find a job after college.
"Stop calling yourself a loser—everyone struggles sometimes," his friend said.
✦ The derogatory sense emerged in American slang in the mid-20th century, extending the basic ‘one who loses’ meaning to social failure.
something, such as a product, investment, or racehorse, that consistently fails or loses money
The outdated smartphone model turned into a loser for the company within a year.
Selling umbrellas in the desert is a sure loser of a business idea.
✦ Extended from the personal sense to inanimate objects in the late 19th century, as business jargon for investments that bring losses.
near in distance, time, or relationship
The supermarket is very close, so we can walk there in five minutes.
Emma and her sister are close and talk every day.
✦ From Middle English clos, from Old French clos “ shut, enclosed,” from Latin clausus, past participle of claudere “to shut.”
with very little difference; decided by a small margin
It was a close game, but our team won by one point.
The election results were close all night.
