Definition

A person who takes pleasure in their own success or someone else's misfortune, often showing it in a smug or boastful way.

Example

After winning the game, he became a gloater, bragging about his victory to everyone.

Conversation

Did you see how Jake was acting after the game?

Yeah, he was such a gloater about his team's win.

It's annoying when people can't just celebrate without rubbing it in.

Totally! A little humility goes a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gloater → It is formed from "gloat" (from Middle English *gloten*, meaning to look at with great pleasure) and "-er" (meaning a person who). A gloater is a person who looks at something with great pleasure, often in a smug or self-satisfied way.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who takes great pleasure in looking at their own success or someone else's misfortune — that's what a gloater does.

Visually Confused Words