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also–ran

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noun al·so–ran \-ˌran\

Definition of also–ran

  1. 1 :  a horse or dog that finishes out of the money in a race

  2. 2 :  a contestant that does not win

  3. 3 :  one that is of little importance especially competitively was just an also–ran in the scramble for … privileges — C. A. Buss

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First Known Use of also–ran

1895

ALSO–RAN Defined for English Language Learners

also-ran

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noun

Definition of also–ran for English Language Learners

  • : a person who has taken part in an election or contest and did not win

Learn More about also–ran

  1. See words that rhyme with also–ran

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