Inklingo

How to Say "loser" in Spanish

English → Spanish

perdedor

pehr-deh-DORpeɾðeˈðoɾ

nounA2
Use this word when referring to someone who has lost a competition, game, or contest, or who is generally unsuccessful.
A sad cartoon character sitting alone on a bench with their head down, signifying defeat, while a brightly colored winner's ribbon lies discarded nearby.

Examples

El perdedor de la carrera felicitó al ganador con un apretón de manos.

The loser of the race congratulated the winner with a handshake.

En el juego, el perdedor tiene que lavar los platos.

In the game, the person who loses has to wash the dishes.

Después de la votación, los perdedores aceptaron los resultados.

After the vote, the defeated ones accepted the results.

Gender Change

This word changes form depending on the gender of the person: use 'perdedor' for a man and 'perdedora' for a woman.

Using the Feminine Form

Mistake: “La perdedor fue Juan.”

Correction: El perdedor fue Juan. (The word must match the gender of the person, even if the person's name is mentioned later.)

fracasado

fra-ca-sá-dofɾakaˈsaðo

nounB2derogatory
This term is used for someone who has failed in life or a significant endeavor, often implying a lack of success or achievement.
A solitary, simple cartoon figure sitting dejectedly on a wooden stool, looking sad, with a single deflated red balloon resting on the floor nearby.

Examples

No quiero que pienses que soy un fracasado solo por este error.

I don't want you to think I'm a failure just because of this mistake.

Ella teme convertirse en una fracasada si no consigue ese trabajo.

She fears becoming a failure if she doesn't get that job.

Gender Mismatch

Mistake: “Using 'un fracasado' to refer to a woman.”

Correction: When using this word as a noun for a woman, you must use the feminine form: 'una fracasada'. This is the same structure as other nouns describing professions or people.

inútil

nounB2strong insult, informal
Use this as a strong, informal insult for someone who is incompetent or completely useless.

Examples

Mi hermano es un inútil, no sabe ni freír un huevo.

My brother is a good-for-nothing; he doesn't even know how to fry an egg.

quemado

keh-MAH-dohkeˈmaðo

nounC1informal
This informal term refers to someone who is perceived as unsuccessful, washed-up, or having missed an opportunity.
A cartoon figure looking bewildered and holding an empty, open leather wallet upside down, symbolizing being tricked or losing money.

Examples

Lo invitaron a la fiesta y no fue; ¡qué quemado!

They invited him to the party and he didn't go; what a loser!

Me vendieron un coche dañado, fui un quemado.

They sold me a damaged car, I was a sucker.

Used as an Insult

This meaning is almost always used as a negative label or mild insult, similar to calling someone 'a failure' or 'a disappointment'.

Choosing Between 'Perdedor' and 'Fracasado'

Learners often confuse 'perdedor' and 'fracasado'. Remember that 'perdedor' typically refers to a specific defeat (like in a game), while 'fracasado' implies a broader, more permanent state of failure in life or career.

Related Translations

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