in the running

phrase

1

: competing in a contest

2

: having a chance to win a contest

Examples of in the running in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite missing out on the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, Witt is expected to be named a Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger finalist and be in the running for the Hank Aaron Award. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Brice Turang of the Milwaukee Brewers are also in the running. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026

With Allen's emergence in the running game, Hall's name has been mentioned in trade rumors — something Glenn seemed to shut down. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

Aside from Mitchell, just a handful of other Gen Z Republicans are in the running for House seats this fall. — Elena Moore, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for in the running

• overrunning
• bunning
• cunning
• dunning
• gunning
• punning
• shunning
• stunning
• sunning