Charming - but can't always be victorious? (7)

I believe the answer is:

winsome

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'charming' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for winsome that I've seen before include "Appealingy attractive" , "Charming, engaging" , "Attractive and fresh" , "Attractive and appealing" , "Fetching" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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