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.

Even classical music listeners have their version in what may be the most legendary rivalry of all — the one that also-ran Italian composer Antonio Salieri supposedly nursed with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

After years as an also-ran, the startup has pulled ahead in the artificial-intelligence race after focusing on enterprise users and coding.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Anthropic’s Big Week: Anthropic once appeared as an also-ran in the chaotic AI race.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

It became an also-ran and there it remains until now.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Maybe a part of me loves her because she’s the eternal also-ran, a lot like me.

From "I Am the Messenger" by Markus Zusak