front runner
C1Formal, journalistic, business
Definition
Meaning
The competitor, candidate, or option most likely to succeed or win in a contest or competition.
A person, idea, or project that is currently leading in popularity or is considered the most advanced in a particular field or race.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in political, business, and sports contexts. Implies a temporary leading position, not a guaranteed final victory. Can carry connotations of being the favourite or the one to beat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. No significant usage differences, though perhaps more common in US political reporting.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly positive, implying strength and likelihood of success.
Frequency
High frequency in news media in both varieties, especially during elections and competitive events.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] is the front runner in [race/field][Subject] has become the front runner to [infinitive]The front runner for [position/prize]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Out in front”
- “The one to beat”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the company or product most likely to dominate a market or win a contract.
Academic
Used to describe the leading theory, researcher, or approach in a scholarly field.
Everyday
Used in discussions about sports, reality TV competitions, or any contest.
Technical
In racing (e.g., horse, car), denotes the competitor physically leading the race.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is the front runner in the school's singing contest.
- After winning three races, he is now the front runner for the championship.
- Despite several gaffes, the minister consolidated her position as the front runner to become the next party leader, owing to her extensive experience and fundraising prowess.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a runner at the FRONT of a race. They are the FRONT RUNNER for the gold medal.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/POLITICS/BUSINESS IS A RACE (with a leader).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque "передний бегун".
- Correct translation is "лидер", "фаворит", or "кандидат, идущий впереди".
Common Mistakes
- Writing as one word: 'frontrunner' (acceptable variant, but hyphenated is standard).
- Using for a guaranteed winner (it implies likelihood, not certainty).
- Confusing with 'forerunner' (which means precursor, not current leader).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is the term 'front runner' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard form is hyphenated: 'front-runner'. However, the closed form 'frontrunner' is also widely accepted, especially in American English.
Yes, it can metaphorically refer to the leading idea, proposal, or theory in a field (e.g., 'String theory was once the front runner in theoretical physics').
They are often synonymous. However, 'favourite' can be based on popularity or opinion before a contest begins, while 'front runner' often implies a leading position based on current, measurable progress (like polls or early results).
Not always. It can make one a target for criticism from competitors ('front-runner syndrome') and can lead to complacency. The lead can be lost.