also-ran
C2Informal, slightly journalistic, sometimes derogatory.
Definition
Meaning
A competitor, candidate, or entry that is not among the winners or top finishers.
Someone or something that fails to succeed, achieve recognition, or make any significant impact; a person who is consistently unsuccessful or insignificant in their field.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun. Originates from horse racing, referring to horses that 'also ran' but did not place. It inherently carries a negative or dismissive connotation of being forgettable or unsuccessful. Often implies being part of a group that failed, rather than a sole failure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The term is understood in both varieties but is perhaps more readily associated with sporting/gambling contexts in the UK.
Connotations
Similar negative/dismissive connotations in both. Slightly more likely to be used literally in US political reporting for candidates who lose primaries.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both, with slightly higher occurrence in sports/political commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be/be considered/be labelled] an also-ran[finish as/end up as] an also-ran[dismiss/ignore] the also-ransVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(not just) an also-ran”
- “to be relegated to the also-rans”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for products, companies, or executives that fail to gain market share or prominence. 'Their new smartphone was an also-ran in a crowded market.'
Academic
Rare, but can be used metaphorically in historical/political analysis. 'The treaty was an also-ran among the major diplomatic achievements of the era.'
Everyday
Used for any competition, contest, or comparative situation. 'In the school bake-off, my muffins were a total also-ran.'
Technical
Specific, literal use in horse racing/gambling to list all non-placing finishers. 'Check the also-ran list for your bet settlement.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- An also-ran candidate
- The also-ran products were quickly discontinued.
American English
- An also-ran team
- His also-ran status in the polls was clear.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He didn't win the race; he was just an also-ran.
- My idea was an also-ran in the competition.
- After a strong start, the candidate finished as a distant also-ran.
- The film was nominated but ended up an also-ran on awards night.
- The party's radical new policy relegated its traditional rivals to the status of also-rans in the debate.
- Despite heavy investment, their platform remains an also-ran in the social media landscape.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race commentator: "And the winner is... Lightning Bolt! As for the others, they also ran." The 'also-rans' are the forgotten ones.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A RACE / SUCCESS IS WINNING A RACE. Failure is being an unnoteworthy participant.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'также-бежал'.
- Do not confuse with 'аутсайдер' (outsider), which can imply not even trying to compete. An also-ran did compete but failed.
- Неудачник is a closer general synonym, but also-ran is more specific to a competitive context.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He also-ran in the election'). It is a noun.
- Hyphenation error: writing as 'also ran' (two words) when used as a compound noun.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'also-ran' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is exclusively a noun (or compound adjective before another noun). The verbal idea is contained in the etymology ('also ran'), but the modern term is fixed.
It is rarely complimentary. It is dismissive and implies a lack of significance or success. Use with caution when describing people directly.
A 'runner-up' is the person who comes second, a significant achievement. An 'also-ran' typically finishes outside the top positions and is not specifically ranked among the leaders.
Yes, when used as a single noun or adjective ('an also-ran', 'also-ran status'). It may be omitted in very informal writing but is considered standard in edited text.
Explore