NONSTARTER

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does nonstarter mean? 

• NONSTARTER (noun)
  The noun NONSTARTER has 2 senses:

1. a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently

2. a horse that fails to run in a race for which it has been entered

  Familiarity information: NONSTARTER used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NONSTARTER (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

failure; loser; nonstarter; unsuccessful person

Hypernyms ("nonstarter" is a kind of...):

unfortunate; unfortunate person (a person who suffers misfortune)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "nonstarter"):

bankrupt; insolvent (someone who has insufficient assets to cover their debts)

flash in the pan (someone who enjoys transient success but then fails)

dud; flop; washout (someone who is unsuccessful)

underdog (one at a disadvantage and expected to lose)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A horse that fails to run in a race for which it has been entered

Classified under:

Nouns denoting animals

Hypernyms ("nonstarter" is a kind of...):

bangtail; race horse; racehorse (a horse bred for racing)