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

The European Film Academy has unveiled the shortlist of films in the running for prizes at its 39th European Film Awards ceremony scheduled to take place on January 16, 2027 in Athens. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 14 Oct. 2026

Now, the Latina executives who call me want the job more than anyone else in the running. — Anna Maria Chavez, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Still, there were encouraging signs from the offense, particularly in the running game. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026

The company had also been in the running to develop the land. — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 8 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