Non-finisher

A 'non-finisher' is an individual or entity that fails to complete a predetermined task, event, or goal. This term is frequently used in contexts such as sports (e.g., a race or competition), business (e.g., a project or contract), and academia (e.g., a degree program or assignment). The reason for non-completion can vary widely, encompassing factors from physical or mental incapacitation to strategic withdrawal or a lack of commitment. Being a non-finisher often implies a degree of disappointment or failure, either self-imposed or externally assessed.

Non-finisher meaning with examples

• The marathon had a high rate of non-finishers due to the extreme heat, with many athletes succumbing to exhaustion before the final stretch. Support crew were on hand to help.
• Despite an initial surge of enthusiasm, the project was plagued by delays and disagreements, eventually leading to the disheartening scenario of non-finishers. All stakeholders suffered.
• Several students, struggling with the rigorous coursework, became non-finishers of the demanding advanced engineering program, opting to discontinue their studies before completion.
• In the horse race, one horse, deemed the favorite, was surprisingly a non-finisher. This was due to a sudden injury, leading to a cascade of betting payout changes.
• The ambitious startup, unable to secure further funding after a couple of years of operation, unfortunately became a non-finisher, ceasing operations due to financial constraints and the challenges of an ultra-competitive market.