Nonstarter

A nonstarter refers to a person or a thing that is unable to start, or a proposal, idea, or plan that is deemed impractical, unachievable, or lacking potential. It is often used in contexts where an attempt fails to gain traction or where a project is prematurely discarded due to inherent flaws. The term suggests that the subject has no chance of success or viability.

Nonstarter meaning with examples

• After much discussion, it became clear that the marketing strategy was a total nonstarter, as it lacked any innovative approach that could captivate our target audience. The team decided to abandon it in favor of exploring fresh ideas that could rejuvenate brand awareness and attract new customers.
• The proposal for the new highway was seen as a nonstarter due to overwhelming opposition from local communities. Residents expressed deep concerns about the potential environmental impact and disruption to local wildlife, prompting city officials to reconsider the project entirely.
• In the meeting, the CEO labeled the suggestion of relocating the headquarters a nonstarter, citing the significant costs involved and the potential for employee dissatisfaction. Instead, the team was encouraged to explore more cost-effective options that would still enable growth and expansion.
• While the artist's vision for the new gallery was ambitious, the budget constraints rendered it a nonstarter. The financial backers felt that the proposed expenses were unrealistic, leading to a revised plan that would be more feasible and aligned with available resources.
• The negotiation terms were deemed a nonstarter by both parties, as neither side was willing to concede on key issues. Recognizing the impasse, they decided to pause discussions and seek alternative solutions that might be more acceptable in the future.