quitter

American  

[kwit-er] / ˈkwɪt ər /

noun

• quitters
  plural

1. a person who quits or gives up easily, especially in the face of some difficulty, danger, etc.

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quitter British  

/ ˈkwɪtə /

noun

1. a person who gives up easily; defeatist, deserter, or shirker

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• quitters
  plural

Etymology

Origin of quitter

First recorded in 1605–15; quit ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quitter quitters

It inspired many, but also drew scorn from some who branded her a "quitter" at the time.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2024

When Simone dropped out of Tokyo, as we've already discussed, she faced a litany of naysayers who accused her of abandoning her team and being a quitter.

From Salon ● Jul. 19, 2024

I am not a quitter, but I do know when it is time to go.

From Seattle Times ● Feb. 25, 2023

Here’s guessing neither the Rams nor their fans will call you a quitter, just as nobody called the Lakers’ Phil Jackson a quitter when he left the team in the summer of 2004.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 9, 2023

It’s not that you’re being a quitter, it’s just that you’ve got the sense to know when enough is enough.

From "Bud, Not Buddy" by Christopher Paul Curtis

Watching this slapstick routine of quitters and re-enterers from a vantage point atop the polls is Francesca Hong, a state representative, part-time bartender, and Democratic Socialists of America member.

From Slate ● Aug. 1, 2026

While all damage from smoking may not be erased, quitters can add healthy years to the end of their life, which can be just as important to them as how long they live.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 23, 2026

The percentage of job quitters remained near a post-pandemic low, reflecting how hard it has become to find a job.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 7, 2026

If players sat out during the uncertain time, they were often labeled as quitters or players who didn’t love the game.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2023

“Nope. Just wanted to check out our accommodations. Haven’t you heard, Charles? Winners never quit, and quitters never win.”

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein