One held back by irresolution? (5)
I believe the answer is:
loser
'one' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'held back by irresolution?' is the wordplay.
'back by' says the letters should be written backwards.
'held' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'resol' can be found hidden inside 'irresolution'.
'resol' in reverse letter order is 'LOSER'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for loser that I've seen before include "lemon" , "A failure, also-ran" , "sad type?" , "One who is always a failure" , "Roles for the defeated" .)