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

If audiences and critics embrace it, the film could be in the running for an Oscar nomination. — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

He was rumored to be in the running for several high ranking positions, and led an advisory committee on election integrity. — Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

In 2022, the same year Mike and Pam were hired at WBD, Lin was at one point in the running to oversee DC Films there. — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026

Veteran artists in the running include Paul Anka (Inspirations of Life and Love) and Engelbert Humperdinck (Faithfully). — Paul Grein, Billboard, 19 Oct. 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