benched player
Not currently playing
A benched player is an athlete kept out of active competition, sitting on the bench rather than participating in the game.
The term often implies demotion or punishment: After three errors, he became a benched player for the rest of the season.
It can extend figuratively to anyone sidelined from participation in work or other activities.
- substituteReplacement for another
- sidelinedRemoved from participation
- reserveSupply kept back
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- third stringLowest-ranked backup position
dugout · roster · injured · injured reserve · benchwarmer · coach · teammate · waiting · frustrated · clipboard · warmups · second-string · timeout · squad · scrimmage · practice · redshirt · inactive
team hierarchy/value
benched playerstar player
Team's premier athlete
franchise player · key player · MVP · team captain · workhorse
bench, benches, benching, play, plays, played, playing, player, players