The phrase "carrying the day" means to be victorious or successful in a particular situation. Some antonyms for this phrase may include losing, failing, or falling short. Other possible antonyms could be being defeated, coming up short, or falling behind. In essence, any term that suggests a lack of success or accomplishment could serve as an antonym for "carrying the day." Whether it's in sports, politics, or any other competitive setting, the opposite of carrying the day is never a desirable outcome. While winning is certainly the preferred outcome, it's important to keep in mind that losing or falling short can also provide valuable lessons and insights for future success.