The antonyms for the phrase "coming first" include terms like trailing, following, losing, and lagging. These words are associated with a sense of defeat or a lack of success in surpassing others. In competitive scenarios like sports, a team or an individual who trails may be considered less skilled or less effective than their opponents. However, in other contexts, these antonyms may not hold such negative connotations. For example, in a race where the goal is to enjoy the journey rather than win, coming last may not be seen as a bad thing. Ultimately, the antonyms for "coming first" highlight the variable nature of goals and priorities in different situations.