also-ran
/'ɔ:lsouræn/
Definition
- Noun:
- A contestant who loses the contest: An "also-ran" is a participant in a competition, especially a race or election, who does not win or achieve a leading position.
- A person or thing that is not successful: More broadly, it refers to anyone or anything that is unsuccessful, insignificant, or fails to make an impact in a particular field or endeavor.
Usage
The term "also-ran" is often used in a dismissive or slightly derogatory way to describe someone who was not a serious contender for victory. It emphasizes a lack of success or distinction. It is commonly used in contexts like sports, politics, and business.
Examples
- Noun:
- In the presidential election, the third-party candidate was a distant also-ran.
- The film was nominated for several awards but ended up as an also-ran on the night of the ceremony.
- After leading for most of the race, his car developed engine trouble and he finished as an also-ran.
Advanced Usage
- "to be an also-ran": to be categorized as unsuccessful or insignificant in a competitive situation.
- Despite heavy investment, their new product was an also-ran in a crowded market.
Variants and Related Words
- Loser (n): a person or thing that loses or has lost. (Note: "Loser" is more general and can be harsher than "also-ran.")
- Non-starter (n): a person or plan that has no chance of succeeding. (This implies failure before even beginning, whereas an "also-ran" at least participated.)
- Runner-up (n): a competitor or team finishing in second place. (This is a more positive term than "also-ran," which typically refers to those far from the top positions.)
Synonyms
- Failure: a lack of success.
- Nonentity: an unimportant person or thing.
- Underachiever: a person who performs below their potential.
Related Phrases
- Out of the running: no longer having a chance to win.
- After the scandal, the candidate was completely out of the running.
Related Idioms
- Also-ran status: the condition of being unimportant or unsuccessful in a competition.
- The company feared their latest model would achieve only also-ran status.
Noun
-
a contestant who loses the contest
