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

But when it comes to active ETFs, the indexing powerhouse has long been an also-ran, far behind players like J.P.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

For most of its 122-year existence, Atlético Madrid has been seen as the Spanish capital’s also-ran, dwarfed by its crosstown rival Real Madrid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 10, 2025

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

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