1. ideas, proposals, or plans that have no chance of success or acceptance
Usage: informal; plural form
2. horses or other competitors that fail to start in a race
Usage: sports; racing

Examples

• The committee rejected both proposals as complete nonstarters.
• His suggestions for budget cuts were nonstarters with the board.
• Three horses were declared nonstarters due to injury.
• Without proper funding, these projects are nonstarters.
• The peace talks included several nonstarters that neither side would accept.
• Two nonstarters were removed from the race lineup before the gate opened.