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.

But the situation risks entrenching trends that had already turned Kuwait—which flourished in the 1960s and 1970s—into something of an also-ran in the region after it struggled to rebound from the 1990 Iraq invasion.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

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

One year’s national champion, once picked over, can become the next season’s also-ran.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2026

Sparkle has been able to see the real me, the one I am when I'm not just Teal's brother, the also-ran, the slightly washed-out twin.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon