One failing to get a place in annals, or annal (4-3)
I believe the answer is:
also-ran
'one failing to get a' is the definition.
The answer is a person as well as being a singular noun. This is suggested by the definition.
'in annals or annal' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'ALSO-RAN' can be found hidden inside 'annals or annal'.
'place' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for also-ran that I've seen before include "Unplaced racehorse" , "One of the losers" , "Poor performer in race" , "Unsuccessful competitor" , "Contestant losing by a large margin" .)