When describing a situation where someone has been defeated or outmaneuvered, there are several synonyms for the phrase "were worsted". Some of these include "were beaten", "were vanquished", "were outdone", "were overwhelmed", "were conquered", and "were overpowered". Each of these phrases implies a sense of defeat or failure, often in the face of significant opposition or difficulty. Depending on the context in which they are used, these synonyms for "were worsted" can convey different shades of meaning, from mild disappointment to total humiliation. Regardless of the specific word chosen, however, each one acknowledges the fact that someone has come up short in a given situation.