also-ran

noun

al·​so-ran ˈȯl(t)-(ˌ)sō-ˌran 

ˈȯ-

1

: a horse or dog that finishes out of the money in a race

2

: a contestant that does not win

3

: one that is of little importance especially competitively

was just an also-ran in the scramble for … privileges

—C. A. Buss

Examples of also-ran in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For these Orlando soccer teams, there is a focus on creating an overall culture that builds a platform for sustained tilts at success, but the ultimate aim is to win championships, not to merely be impressive also-rans. —James Nalton, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

In most polls asking voters to list the issues that will influence their choice in next week’s presidential election, foreign policy fares little better than an also-ran. —Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024

Day two was dedicated to the also-rans—when Nikki Haley took the stage, she was met with some interruptive boos and a post-internet pink backdrop that complemented the flowers on her dress. —Yiyun Li, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024

Those shops are being operated by Brown's Super Stores, which is owned by Jeff Brown, a mayoral also-ran. —Mike D'onofrio, Axios, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

also-ran

noun

al·​so-ran

-ˌran

1

: a horse or dog that does not finish in the first three places in a race

2

: a contestant that does not win