Ken Jennings‘ clever word play on Thursday night’s (Oct. 12) episode of Jeopardy! had one particular contestant at a loss for words.

According to The Sun, attorney and Virginia native Steve Clarke returned for his chance to compete in the coveted Tournament of Champions in this season’s Champions Wildcard tournament. While he was in the lead against competitors Josh Saak and Valerie Costelo when he reached Final Jeopardy with a whopping $19,100, the question would ultimately serve as his demise.

“Though it meant ‘seasickness’ in Latin, this 6-letter word now refers to a more general feeling of sickness,” Kennings read out from behind his podium.

Once the three contestants were prompted to give their answers, both Saak (who had $16,400) and Costelo (who had $5,200) had guessed the correct response of “nausea,” which brought them to $19,105 and $5,200 respectively. However, it would be Clarke who left feeling queasy, as he guessed “malaise,” a seven-letter word, no less.

“Oh no, what is malaise,” Jennings reiterated before delivering a prime play on words: “He might be coming up with nausea right now.”

Clarke had wagered $13,701, which bumped him down to second place behind Saak, who was crowned the winner.

Flustered fans weighed in on X (formerly known as Twitter) following Clarke’s sickening slip-up.

“Much too easy FJ (Final Jeopardy),” one wrote. Another said, “This was perhaps the easiest final jeopardy question – even I could answer it.”

Tough break for Clarke. Nonetheless, he was a good sport, and did laugh along with the audience at Jennings’ on-point one liner highlighting his faux pas.

Jeopardy! airs weeknights at 7/6c. Check out the website for local listings.