Definitions

rat race

NOUN

competition in life

Synonyms

WEAK

battle of life daily grind hamster cage survival of the fittest treadmill vicious circle

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.

China’s industrial rat race helped power the country’s economic miracle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

"Travelling really opened my eyes, we’re all stuck in a rat race here in the UK," she said.

From BBC • May 31, 2024

Wall Street Journal fitness writer Jen Murphy shares tips for staying in shape while running the rat race.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2024

Brown rats are the undisputed winners of the real rat race.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 3, 2024

Valerie was clearly weary of the rat race.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis