non-starter
UK[ˌnɒn ˈstɑːtə]US[ˌnɑːn ˈstɑːrtər]
n
an idea, plan, or person that has no chance of success or of continuing
n
a horse that fails to start in a race
Morpheme Breakdown
non
start
er
non
not
start
begin
er
agent suffix
Etymology
The word "non-starter" is a modern English compound built from transparent, native elements. The prefix "non-", from Latin, negates the following concept. The core verb "start" has Germanic origins, evolving from a sense of sudden movement to the more general meaning of beginning an action. The suffix "-er" forms an agent noun, creating "starter" for one who begins. Combined, the term literally means "one who does not begin," a logical construction that first described a racehorse failing to leave the starting gate. This concrete meaning was then extended metaphorically to any person, plan, or idea that fails to get going or is deemed unworkable from the outset.
Analysis
Structure: non (not) + start (begin) + er (agent suffix)
non: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without".
start: Middle English origin, from Old English styrtan (to leap up, jump up), functioning as the core verb.
er: Old English origin, an agent noun suffix indicating "a person or thing that does something".
Examples
His proposal to cut all taxes without reducing services was a complete non-starter in the committee.
The plan sounds good in theory, but without funding it's a non-starter.
Three of the ten horses were declared non-starters due to the poor track conditions.