schlemiel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A Jew writing in German, “Kafka sees that the schlemiel loses. He sees it through to the tragic end,” as European Jewry soon would.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Although the series treats Blauner as a fretful schlemiel in early episodes — almost the moment we meet him, we hear about his hemorrhoids — he’s allowed to be a man of action later on.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2024

As Costanza, Mr. Stiller was perpetually struggling to control his temper, blood pressure and contempt for his son, George, a balding schlemiel played by Jason Alexander.

From Washington Post • May 11, 2020

In Yiddish, is he a schlemiel or a a schlimazel, eh?

From New York Times • Dec. 18, 2017

“No, like an utter schlemiel, I just walked in there. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros