# non-starter

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. Someone or something who was listed to start in a race, but did not start in the race.
2. Something that is destined to fail from the outset; an impractical scheme.
3. An idea or argument that cannot be sensibly debated.

## Etymology
From non- + starter.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/non-starter