Defeated competitor (5) Crossword Clue
Answer:LOSER (5 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Defeated competitor (5)" with 5 letters is "LOSER".A loser is a defeated competitor who did not win in a contest, game, or competition. The term refers to someone who falls short of victory, often highlighting the outcome rather than their effort or skill.
Why “Loser” Fits
The clue asks for a 5-letter word meaning “defeated competitor.” The answer, LOSER, fits perfectly:
- Defeated competitor: “Loser” is the direct and common term for someone who did not win in a contest, game, or competition.
- General context: Anyone who comes out second best or fails to achieve victory, whether in sports, games, or other competitive events, is correctly termed the “loser.”
This straightforward definition matches exactly what’s sought in the clue.
“Loser” is a widely used English word in both formal and informal language:
- Usage: “The loser was knocked out in the first round.” “Every competition has a winner and a loser.”
- Origin: The word derives from “lose,” meaning to fail to win, with the common suffix “-er” indicating the person affected.
- Application: The term is neutral in contests and sporting contexts but can be used pejoratively in casual conversation.
“Loser” neatly captures the clue’s requirements of being both a competitor and one who was defeated.
In quick crosswords, clues like “defeated competitor”:
- Often call for short, precise terms that name a role: “loser,” “runner-up,” “finalist,” etc.
- The answer length (5) fits “loser” perfectly.
- If the clue uses words like “competitor,” “contest,” or “match,” look for standard terms for participant status.
Spotting the overlap between competition and outcome quickly leads you to “loser.”