The term 'AHEAD, BARELY' can be represented by five different crossword solutions: EKE (3 letters), EKES (4 letters), EKED (4 letters), ONEUP (5 letters), and UPONE (5 letters). EKE is a verb meaning to strive or struggle, while EKES and EKED are the present and past tense forms of the same verb. ONEUP and UPONE are both verbs meaning to gain an advantage over someone else. Together, these five words suggest that one is barely managing to stay ahead of their competition.