劣る
おとる · otoru · JLPT N3 · verb-godan
to be inferior to
🐢 劣 = 少 (little) + 力 (strength): little strength means you fall behind
The kanji 劣 puts 少 (few, little) on top of 力 (power). Having less power than others makes you inferior. For the sound, otoru is close to 'oughta row': you oughta row harder, or you fall behind.