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
C. A. BussExamples of also-ran in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cuomo has a lead in the polls, but ranked choice balloting could vault Mamdani to victory if enough supporters of also-rans give him second-place status.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 17 June 2025
Red Bull Salzburg have gone from perennial champions to relative also-rans in Austria.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
In a motor-sport where milliseconds separate champions from also-rans, hiding technical know-how from opponents is as key as a fresh pair of tires.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 13 June 2025
Depending on the week, the Phils have looked like the best team in baseball or a complete also-ran.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 17 June 2025
Red Bull Salzburg have gone from perennial champions to relative also-rans in Austria.
—Nick Miller, New York Times, 13 June 2025
In a motor-sport where milliseconds separate champions from also-rans, hiding technical know-how from opponents is as key as a fresh pair of tires.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 13 June 2025
Depending on the week, the Phils have looked like the best team in baseball or a complete also-ran.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for also-ran
Cite this Entry
“Also-ran.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/also-ran. Accessed 7 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share