nonstarter

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English non- English starter English nonstarter From non- + starter.

1. A project that has no chance of success.

   “The problem with the CRFB and CBO ideas is that they would be nonstarters politically.”

2. A horse that does not run in a race for which it has been entered.
3. A loser; a person who is bound to fail.

   “But Berg was just a fool, a buffoon, a nonentity, a nonstarter so inept he took naps under bear bair.”