nonwinning

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /nɒnˈwɪnɪŋ/

KK: /nɑnˈwɪnɪŋ/

adjective

Definition

Describing something that does not achieve victory or success.

Example

The team had a nonwinning season, finishing at the bottom of the league.

Conversation

Did you watch the game last night?

Yeah, it was intense, but our team ended up being nonwinning again.

It's frustrating to see them lose so often.

I know, but hopefully next season will be better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

losing

defeated

unsuccessful

Antonyms

victorious

triumphant

winning

Root Explanation

Nonwinning → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "winning" (from the root "win" which comes from Old English "winnan", meaning to strive or to gain victory). The word "nonwinning" means not achieving victory or success.

Memory Tip

Think of 'non-' meaning 'not' and 'winning' referring to achieving victory — so nonwinning means not achieving victory.

Visually Confused Words

nonspinning

unwinning