rat race

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.

“Maybe what I need to do is just celebrate all I’ve done instead of getting back into this rat race, on this treadmill, and look for something totally different,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

China’s industrial rat race helped power the country’s economic miracle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Sami Sabet was a successful businessman before deciding to leave the "rat race" and become a sub-postmaster for three post offices around Shoreham-by-Sea.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025

Wall Street Journal fitness writer Jen Murphy shares tips for staying in shape while running the rat race.

From Slate • Apr. 30, 2024

Valerie was clearly weary of the rat race.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis