nonwinning
Failing to triumph
Not winning; failing to win or succeed.
A nonwinning lottery ticket yields no prize.
Nonwinning candidates don't get elected.
The term is bureaucratic and neutral, avoiding the harsher connotations of "losing": Nonwinning entries will not be returned.
Being without something
- defeatVictory over another
- failureLack of success
- setbackReverse in progress
- unsuccessfulNot achieving desired outcome
failed · beaten · bested · outplayed · outscored · eliminated · disqualified · also-ran
Not identified or acknowledged
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
- unrewardedReceiving nothing earned
- unacknowledgedNot formally recognized
- uncompensatedNot paid for work
unsung · uncredited · neglected · forgotten · underappreciated · undervalued · unnoticed · unpraised
Lustrous white precious metal
- finalistLast-round participant
- contenderOne competing seriously
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
- near-missNarrowly averted incident
close · bridesmaid · almost · nearly · competitive · challenger · vying · consolation
loss
Being without something
unsuccessful · failed · beaten · bested · outplayed · outscored · eliminated · disqualified · also-ran · shutout
unrecognized
Not identified or acknowledged
- overlookedNot noticed or considered
- unrewardedReceiving nothing earned
- unacknowledgedNot formally recognized
uncompensated · unsung · uncredited · neglected · forgotten · underappreciated · undervalued · unnoticed · unpraised · unhonored
silver
Lustrous white precious metal
- finalistLast-round participant
- contenderOne competing seriously
- runner-upCompetition's silver finisher
near-miss · close · bridesmaid · almost · nearly · competitive · challenger · vying · consolation
nonwinningwinning
Achieving victory
victorious · successful · triumphant · champion · conquering