1.  loser(n = noun.person) also-ran - a contestant who loses the contest;
is a kind of contestant
has particulars: old maid
Antonym: winner
Derived form verb lose₂

2.  loser(n = noun.person) failure, nonstarter, unsuccessful person - a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently;
is a kind of unfortunate, unfortunate person
has particulars: bankrupt, insolvent, flash in the pan, dud, flop, washout, underdog
Antonym: achiever
Derived form verb lose₂

3.  loser(n = noun.person) - a gambler who loses a bet;
is a kind of gambler
Antonym: winner
Derived forms verb lose₂, verb lose₇

1.  One who loses; as, the loser pays for a round of beer. South. [1913 Webster]

2.  A person who is habitually unsuccessful at some endeavor, such as employment or personal relationships. [PJC]

3.  A plan or strategy unlikely to succeed. [PJC]

loser, n.
1 a person or thing that loses or has lost (esp. a contest or game) (is a poor loser; the loser pays).
2 colloq. a person who regularly fails.

N  politics, political science, candidacy, campaign, campaigning, electioneering, partisanship, ideology, factionalism, election, poll, ballot, vote, referendum, recall, initiative, voice, suffrage, plumper, cumulative vote, plebiscitum, plebiscite, vox populi, electioneering, voting, elective franchise, straight ticket, opinion poll, popularity poll, issue, opinion, stand, position, program, platform, party line, democracy, republicanism, communism, statism, state socialism, socialism, conservatism, toryism, liberalism, whigism, theocracy, constitutional monarchy, party, Democratic Party, Republican Party, Socialist Party, Communist Party, Federalist Party, Bull Moose Party, Abolitionist Party, Christian Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, National Socialist Worker's Party, Nazi Party, Liberal Party, Labor Party, Conservative Party, ticket, slate, politician activist, candidate, aspirant, hopeful, office-seeker, front- runner, dark horse, long shot, shoo-in, supporter, backer, political worker, campaign worker, lobbyist, contributor, party hack, ward heeler, regional candidate, favorite son, running mate, stalking horse, perpetual candidate, political animal, political contribution, campaign contribution, political action committee, PAC, political district, electoral division, electoral district, bailiwick, electorate, constituents, get-out-the-vote campaign, political education, negative campaigning, dirty politics, smear campaign, also-ran, loser, has-been, office holder, official, occupant of a position, public servant, incumbent, winner, political, partisan, Money is the mother's milk of politics.