nonstarter

American  

[non-stahr-ter] / nɒnˈstɑr tər /

noun

1. an issue, plan, etc., that does not get or deserve to get under way.

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nonstarter British  

/ nɒnˈstɑːtə /

noun

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

2. a person or thing that is useless, has little chance of success, etc

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Etymology

Origin of nonstarter

First recorded in 1905–10

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Explanation

Someone who's a nonstarter never seems to succeed or achieve their goals. A baseball player who strikes out every single time he's up at bat is a nonstarter. A political candidate who loses every election is a nonstarter, and an entrepreneur whose businesses keep failing is also a nonstarter. You can also use this word to describe a plan or idea that's just never going to work: "I can see why you'd want to bring your pony to school, but I think it's a nonstarter." The original meaning of nonstarter was a horse unable to run in a race at the last minute.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nonstarter

Annuities are one route, for sure, but that’s a nonstarter with you.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026

Payne said the sale to a defense firm is a nonstarter.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026

In response to AFP's request for comment, an Nvidia spokesperson said "smuggling is a nonstarter".

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

But it’s a nonstarter for millions of households that don’t even have these new tax-advantaged accounts.

From MarketWatch ● May 28, 2026

Agriculture was another nonstarter in Australia, which is not only the driest continent but also the one with the most infertile soils.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

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Related Words

• bust
• debacle
• disaster
• dud
• fiasco
• washout

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