Crossword Genius

Most unpleasant in defeat (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

worst

This clue is a double definition.

'most unpleasant' is the first definition.
('worst' can be similar in meaning to 'most unpleasant')

'defeat' is the second definition.
(worsting is a kind of defeating)

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for worst that I've seen before include "Of the poorest quality" , "Direst" , "Beat" , "Most unpleasant" , "Least competent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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