Also-ran

An also-ran is a competitor who fails to achieve significant success or recognition in a contest or event, often finishing far behind the leaders. The term is most commonly used in the context of racing, elections, and competitions to refer to individuals or entities that did not place, usually implying a lack of noteworthy impact.

Also-ran meaning with examples

• In the recent presidential election, several candidates were considered also-rans, garnering little public attention and failing to secure any delegates in the primaries. Their campaigns seemed to be more of a formality, highlighting the dominance of the frontrunners and showing that not every participant has a realistic chance of winning.
• The film festival featured numerous indie films, but many were deemed also-rans compared to the bigger productions. Critics noted that while some had potential, they lacked the star power or production budget to stand out, leading to their relegation to obscurity rather than acclaim.
• In the annual marathon, while the elite runners were celebrated in the spotlight, many first-time participants recognized themselves as also-rans. They embraced the experience, understanding that the joy of running was far more important than placing and that finishing was an achievement in itself.
• Despite her strong initial efforts in the science fair, she found herself an also-ran when the top prizes were announced. The other projects showed high levels of innovation and research, leaving her feeling discouraged but motivated to improve her work for next year's competition.