also-ran

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It became an also-ran and there it remains until now.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Nevertheless, Gaines portrays the moment as when her “dreams” were “shattered,” but most people would hardly use such heavy language for the difference between tying for fifth place versus having that also-ran trophy by yourself.

From Salon • Oct. 27, 2025

TikTok said that Oracle would run its secure cloud in the U.S., a coup for Oracle’s then also-ran business.

From Barron's • Oct. 10, 2025

It cut the price of one drug, Zepatier, by 60%, but Zepatier was such an also-ran among hepatitis C treatments that its sales were effectively zero.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

His musical efflorescence was tragically brief, but this is the man who turned the chord-strumming, jobbing electric guitar into a high-wire, virtuoso lead instrument, from also-ran to star turn.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall