The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word NO-HOPER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
N
O
-
H
O
P
E
R
More clues leading to the result NO-HOPER
- Drama, musical one, that’s too short? Don't bet on it!
- Asian drama work not a likely failure
- Rank outsider? Work inside on her jumping
- Area north of Houston St a “lost cause”
- Nary a little laugh for a loser
- NY neighbourhood for each and every schmuck
- Poor hen shifting – one’s likely to lay an egg
- Drama, musical drama, mostly unsuccessful type
- Japanese drama works without ending but is a total failure
- Number joining the woman outside work who can’t expect success?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Rank outsider" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rank outsider = no-hoper.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 NO-HOPER mean?
NO-HOPER noun- Someone or something that has no hope of success.