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.

But so many better horror features have been constructed along the same lines—“X,” “House of 1000 Corpses”— that this one comes across as merely a tedious also-ran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

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

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

Sparkle has been able to see the real me, the one I am when I'm not just Teal's brother, the also-ran, the slightly washed-out twin.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon