sore loser

[ sawr loo-zer ]

noun

1. a person who is habitually angered, irritated, or annoyed when they do not win something or gain a desired advantage:

   There is no point in being a sore loser and whining about it all.

   You can't call him a sore loser—he accepts defeat with grace and dignity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of sore loser¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

“I think he’ll go from being a sore loser to a sore winner,” said Terhune, who lives outside Indianapolis in a blue-collar neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times

Be a sore loser and say, “F the Grammys?”

From Los Angeles Times

The World Conker Championships has said accusations of cheating come from a "sore loser".

From BBC

Mr Jakins denied cheating and event chairman Jim Packer also rejected the claims, saying: "We don't know where this story has come from. Somebody's a sore loser, I think."

From BBC

He also won't be able to draw up plans to seize voting machines or declare martial law and his bully pulpit will be limited to sore loser press conferences carried live on Fox News and Newsmax.

From Salon