WorldJuly 14, 2026

nonstarter

/ˈnɒnˌstɑːrtər/

Definition

An idea, plan, or proposal that has no chance of succeeding or being accepted, typically because it is legally or practically impossible.

Etymology

Derived from the noun 'starter' in the context of racing, referring to a horse or competitor that fails to leave the starting gate. By the mid-20th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe any plan or concept that is effectively dead on arrival.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the proposal of moving Russian-owned weapons to another country to circumvent U.S. law, arguing that it remains an unacceptable legal shortcut. It matters here because the author believes such solutions fail to meet the strict statutory requirements for the F-35 transfer.

Trump Promised Erdogan The F-35 But The Law Says No – OpEd

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Eurasia Review

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