1.  nonstarter(n = noun.person) failure, loser, 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

2.  nonstarter(n = noun.animal) - a horse that fails to run in a race for which it has been entered;
is a kind of bangtail, race horse, racehorse

1.  a person with a record of failing. [WordNet 1.5]

2.  A horse that fails to run in a race for which it has been entered. [WordNet 1.5]

3.  A proposal that will not receive serious consideration by those with authority to decide. [PJC]