double loser

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "double loser" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has failed in two significant ways or contexts, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "After losing both the job opportunity and the competition, he felt like a double loser."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Double loser.

The New Yorker

Then you sing "Loser" again and hold up the other hand in an L. As you sing the next line -- Double loser!

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was kicked by my staff, who said, 'Oy, wake up,' and by my daughters, who called me a double loser," he said, splaying both thumbs and forefingers into L-shapes, and smacking them against his forehead.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It is a pretty double loser-on-loser to establish an extra trick.

The New York Times

That, in the genetic lottery, she was a double-loser.

BBC

The two double-digit losers were the Donegal Democrat and the Leinster Leader, both down by just over 11%.

The Guardian

The winners counted a single stake or game point if the losers made three or four points, double if the losers made only one or two points, and triple for a whitewash ("shutout").

Encyclopedia Britannica

John Henry could be a double loser, too.

The New York Times - Sports

For this follow-up to his debut feature Submarine, Richard Ayoade has picked a demanding and in some ways unpromising subject: a new adaptation of Dostoevsky's novella The Double, about a drab loser who discovers that he has a doppelgänger in the workplace – an exact replica of him, but aggressively successful, charming and upwardly mobile.

The Guardian - Film

And cheers erupt from we folks on shore waving the double-handed "L for loser" sign above our heads.

Huffington Post

He is a loser in a double sense.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "double loser", consider the context and audience, as it can be perceived as harsh or judgmental. Ensure that the use of the phrase is appropriate for the situation and does not unnecessarily denigrate the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "double loser" in situations that require a more sensitive or empathetic tone. This phrase is best suited for informal contexts or when expressing strong disapproval, not when offering support or understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "double loser" functions primarily as a descriptive term, specifically an adjective-noun combination. It is used to label someone or something that has failed in two distinct ways. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used in a derogatory way.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "double loser" is used to describe someone who has failed in two distinct areas, often in a derogatory manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct but relatively infrequent phrase, primarily found in News & Media and Encyclopedia sources. Due to its potentially harsh connotation, it's best reserved for informal contexts or situations where strong disapproval is warranted. When seeking alternatives, consider "twice defeated" or "two-time failure" for a more neutral tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twice defeated

Emphasizes the act of being defeated on two occasions.

two-time failure

Focuses on the failure aspect occurring twice.

unlucky in two ways

Highlights the element of misfortune in two separate instances.

loser on two fronts

Indicates losses in two different areas or battles.

doubly unfortunate

Stresses the unfortunate nature of the situation being twofold.

out of luck twice over

Suggests a lack of good fortune in two distinct situations.

twice the victim

Emphasizes being a victim in two separate scenarios.

on the losing end twice

Focuses on the experience of losing on two occasions or aspects.

failed in two respects

Highlights failures in two different areas or categories.

twice snakebitten

Uses a metaphor to suggest being unlucky on two separate occasions.

FAQs

How can I use "double loser" in a sentence?

You can use "double loser" to describe someone who has failed in two significant ways. For example, "After losing both the job opportunity and the competition, he felt like a double loser".

What are some alternatives to "double loser"?

Some alternatives include "twice defeated", "two-time failure", or "unlucky in two ways", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "double loser" in formal writing?

No, "double loser" is generally considered informal and should be avoided in formal writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "twice defeated" or "failed on two occasions".

What does the phrase "double loser" mean?

The phrase "double loser" means someone who has experienced failure or loss in two separate and significant aspects or situations. It implies a compounding of negative outcomes.