1.
loser, defeated person
A person or side that has lost in a competition, battle, or contest. The opposite of 勝者 (winner).
敗者復活戦に出場する。
To participate in the consolation round.
試合に負けた敗者も、精一杯戦ったことへの拍手を受けた。
Even the loser who lost the match received applause for having fought with all their might.
敗者にも敬意を払うのがスポーツマンシップだ。
Paying respect to the loser as well is what sportsmanship is about.
USAGE:
A formal word commonly used in sports, competitions, and historical/political contexts. Less harsh than the casual 負け組 (losers, losing side). Often paired with its antonym 勝者 (winner, victor).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 敗者復活戦: consolation match, repechage
- 敗者と勝者: losers and winners
HOMOPHONE NOTE:
Not to be confused with 歯医者 (dentist), which shares the same reading.