1. a person of low social status or moral character; someone regarded as disreputable or criminal
Usage: informal; derogatory; chiefly North American

Examples

• The detective was tracking a gang of lowlifers who had been robbing convenience stores.
• He refused to associate with lowlifers and petty criminals.
• The neighborhood was plagued by lowlifers dealing drugs on street corners.
• She had no patience for lowlifers who preyed on the vulnerable.
• The bar attracted all sorts of lowlifers and unsavory characters.