unplaced horse crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'unplaced horse' mean in a crossword?

In crosswords, 'unplaced horse' typically refers to a horse that finishes a race but isn't among the winners or doesn't earn prize money. Common answers include terms like 'ALSO-RAN.'

Q: Are there other terms for a horse that doesn't win?

Yes, beyond 'unplaced horse' or 'also-ran,' terms like 'long shot' (a horse with low odds of winning), 'outsider' (similar to long shot), or 'tail-ender' (a horse at the back) can sometimes be used depending on the specific nuance of the clue.

Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "unplaced horse" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide accurate solutions and helpful explanations to get you across the finish line with your puzzle.

Solutions for "unplaced horse crossword clue" by Letter Count

7 Letters

ALSO-RAN: A horse that finishes a race but does not place among the top finishers (typically first, second, or third) or earn prize money. This is the most common answer for "unplaced horse."

9 Letters

STRAGGLER: A horse that falls significantly behind the main group during a race, often finishing last or far from the leaders, thus being unplaced.

More About "unplaced horse crossword clue"

The term "unplaced horse" in crosswords almost exclusively points to an "ALSO-RAN." This phrase originates from horse racing, where an "also-ran" is a competitor that participates in a race but does not finish among the top positions that receive prizes or recognition. It implies that the horse completed the race but wasn't successful enough to be 'placed' according to the race's specific rules (which often means finishing in the top three or four).

Understanding this specific racing terminology is key to unlocking many crossword clues related to horses and competition. While other words like "loser" or "last" might seem to fit, "ALSO-RAN" is the precise and idiomatic term that crossword setters often seek when referring to an "unplaced horse." The clue might sometimes be extended or slightly rephrased to hint at broader terms like "straggler" if the puzzle wants a different length, but the core meaning remains about non-placement.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Think Synonymously and Contextually: For clues like "unplaced horse," consider both direct synonyms (like "also-ran") and words related to the context (horse racing, competition). Sometimes, the puzzle setter might want a more descriptive term for a horse that performed poorly.
Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer with the given letter count. For "unplaced horse," if the count is 8, "ALSO-RAN" is highly probable. If it's different, you might need to think of less common but contextually relevant synonyms.
Consider Other Clues: Look at intersecting words. If you have a few letters from a crossing word, they can provide strong hints and confirm or deny your suspected answer for "unplaced horse."

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "unplaced horse" mean in a crossword?

In crosswords, "unplaced horse" typically refers to a horse that finishes a race but isn't among the winners or doesn't earn prize money. Common answers include terms like "ALSO-RAN."

How do I find the letter count for crossword answers?

The letter count is usually provided in the crossword puzzle itself, often in parentheses next to the clue. For example, "unplaced horse (8)" would indicate an eight-letter answer.

Are there other terms for a horse that doesn't win?

Yes, beyond "unplaced horse" or "also-ran," terms like "long shot" (a horse with low odds of winning), "outsider" (similar to long shot), or "tail-ender" (a horse at the back) can sometimes be used depending on the specific nuance of the clue.