bummer

1 of 2

noun (1)

bum·​mer ˈbə-mər 

: one that bums

bummer

2 of 2

noun (2)

1

: an unpleasant experience (such as a bad reaction to a hallucinogenic drug)

2

: failure, flop

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• down
• downer

Noun (2)

• bindle stiff
• bum
• hobo
• sundowner [Australian]
• swaggie [chiefly Australian]
• swagman [chiefly Australian]
• tramp
• vagabond
• vagrant

Examples of bummer in a Sentence

Noun (1)

boy, breaking your leg right before vacation is a bummer

the cancellation of the holiday office party was a total bummer

that new start-up company proved to be a real bummer

Noun (2)

a lifelong bummer, he never knew the satisfaction of having to work for a living

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This is a real bummer for Schmitt’s BFF, Helm, who cries even as Schmitt promises to FaceTime during their favorite trash-TV shows. —Laura Bradley, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024

This new Mini is basically a rip-and-replace internal upgrade of the last model, which is a bit of a bummer. —David Pierce, The Verge, 22 Oct. 2024

Seeing one fail, and a new IP at that, is a bummer. —Paul Tassi, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

Word to the wise: don’t forget to pack the charge cords for all your devices, because there’s no greater bummer than having the charger without any way to connect it to the things that need charging. —Jen Ator, Travel + Leisure, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

probably modification of German Bummler loafer, from bummeln to dangle, loaf

Noun (2)

bum entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1855, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1966, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bummer

noun

bum·​mer

ˈbəm-ər

1

: an unpleasant experience, event, or situation

2

: something that fails : flop

Etymology

Noun

²bum