sore loser

American  

[sawr loo-zer] / ˈsɔr ˈlu zər /

noun

1. a person who is habitually angered, irritated, or annoyed when they do not win something or gain a desired advantage.

   There is no point in being a sore loser and whining about it all.

   You can't call him a sore loser—he accepts defeat with grace and dignity.

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Etymology

Origin of sore loser

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sore loser

Never mind that this salt-and-pepper-haired coach with the Portuguese accent had also constructed a reputation as a sore loser, a bitter complainer, and raging egomaniac.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 2026

Lashing out like this now is simply being a sore loser.

From Salon ● Aug. 13, 2025

Mr Jakins denied cheating and event chairman Jim Packer also rejected the claims, saying: "We don't know where this story has come from. Somebody's a sore loser, I think."

From BBC ● Oct. 15, 2024

Gaines’ critics often accuse her of being a sore loser, but she didn’t lose to Thomas: They tied for fifth.

From Washington Times ● Dec. 28, 2023

“She’s an emu-raffe, which is a bit like a donkey and a giraffe put together, only with fewer legs and a peevish temper. She’s a terrible sore loser at cards,” he added in a whisper.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs