Cryptic crossword clue
Competitor making mistake, not quite among the top people 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TRIALIST

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
R
I
A
L
I
S
T

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Competitor" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case competitor = trialist.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does TRIALIST mean?

TRIALIST noun
  1. An advocate of trialism, especially with reference to the proposed creation of a state comprising Austria, Hungary, and a Slavic region.
TRIALIST adjective
  1. Involving three elements; especially, pertaining to a potential state comprising Austria, Hungary, and a Slavic region.
TRIALIST noun
  1. A person who takes part in a trial (of a drug etc.)

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