The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word NONSTARTER
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "one bound to fail" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one bound to fail = nonstarter.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 NONSTARTER mean?
NONSTARTER noun- A project that has no chance of success
- A horse that does not run in a race for which it has been entered
- A loser; a person who is bound to fail.