Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

also-ran

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.85 in modern English

Syllables: al-so-ran
IPA

7

Scrabble Score

7

Letters

3

Syllables

6

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A person or animal who competed in a race, or other competition, but did not win.

noun

A loser; a person or thing soon to be forgotten.

Example Sentences

"It also turned Palmer from an also-ran into a challenger."
"I have 37 actors and actresses I would supply for television and radio work and then I have maybe 150 to 200 also-rans who get extra work and television commercials."
"[…]some of Mr. Scorsese's accomplishments have been so stunning—that it's impossible to view "The Last Waltz" as anything but an also-ran."
"And, of course, it is also far easier, quicker, and less embarrassing to dismiss an also-ran over the phone than it is in person […]"
"[…]as the drug came out of the R&D laboratory, it could have been just another also-ran […]"
"The transition from comer to also-ran can be quick […]"

Etymology

From the world of horse race betting, where lists of winners would be published with non-paying positions printed in a block under the heading “Also Ran”.

Inflected Forms

also-rans (plural)

Phrases

first loser nearly man

Frequently Paired Words

first loser nearly man underdog

Synonyms

loser

Questions

What does also-ran mean?: A person or animal who competed in a race, or other competition, but did not win.
Where does also-ran come from?: From the world of horse race betting, where lists of winners would be published with non-paying positions printed in a block under the heading “Also Ran”.

How to pronounce also-ran

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