nonstarter

[non-stahr-ter]

noun

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

nonstarter

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonstarter¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Both were legislative nonstarters just a few years ago.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The case shows that smuggling its chips "is a nonstarter," an Nvidia spokesperson said.

Read more on BBC

The idea of AC Milan giving Pulisic time off is a nonstarter, however.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If the Trump administration had even a minimal commitment to abide by its international and domestic legal obligations, plans to send migrants to Libya or Rwanda would be a nonstarter.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Saudi leaders insist they won’t normalize ties without the creation of a Palestinian state — a nonstarter for the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and much of the Israeli public.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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