nonwinner
Not the champion
A nonwinner is someone or something that did not win—a participant who failed to take first place, or a venture that didn't succeed.
The term is neutral rather than negative, avoiding the sting of "loser": Three nonwinners from last week's heat advanced to the consolation round.
It's common in contests, raffles, and competitions where multiple outcomes exist between winning and losing outright.
Competition's silver finisher
- also-ranUnsuccessful competitor
- finalistLast-round participant
- participantOne who takes part
- contenderOne competing seriously
entrant · challenger · opponent · rival · contestant · competitor · player · eliminated
Unlikely but possible winner
Victory over another
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
- dejectionState of lowness
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
regret · discouragement · frustration · dissatisfaction · disillusionment · crestfallen · downcast · despondency
Purposeful sustained attempt
- diligenceCareful, persistent effort
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- resolveFirmness of purpose
attempt · resilience · determination · grit · comeback · retry · persistence · effort
Effortless beauty of motion
- dignityInnate personal worth
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
- concessionYielding a point
- respectRegard with honor
integrity · honor · graciousness · composure · acceptance · handshake · congratulating
runner-up
Competition's silver finisher
- also-ranUnsuccessful competitor
- finalistLast-round participant
- participantOne who takes part
contender · entrant · challenger · opponent · rival · contestant · competitor · player · eliminated · beaten
dark-horse
Unlikely but possible winner
novice · hopeful · aspirant · minnow · unknown · scrappy · plucky
defeat
Victory over another
- letdownFailure to satisfy expectations
- heartbreakCrushing emotional pain
- dejectionState of lowness
dismay · regret · discouragement · frustration · dissatisfaction · disillusionment · crestfallen · downcast · despondency · setback
endeavor
Purposeful sustained attempt
- diligenceCareful, persistent effort
- dedicationWholehearted loyalty to purpose
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
resolve · attempt · resilience · determination · grit · comeback · retry · persistence · effort · striving
grace
Effortless beauty of motion
- dignityInnate personal worth
- humilityFreedom from arrogance
- concessionYielding a point
respect · integrity · honor · graciousness · composure · acceptance · handshake · congratulating