runner-up

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'runner-up' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone or something that came second in a competition or race. For example, "The runner-up in the race was a full two minutes behind the winner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

runner-up is hyphenated.

The New York Times

Runner-up: Everyone else.

The Guardian - Arts

Runner-up: Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta.

The New York Times

Runner-up: Where to start!

The Guardian - Arts

(The runner-up was "fascism").

The New Yorker

Our first runner-up: Twitlandia.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

FluroSat runner up presentation.

TechCrunch

Runner up: Andrew!

Huffington Post

Runner up: Troy Tulowitzki.

Huffington Post

Runner up: London.

Vice

Try to win or be runner up.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "runner-up" to clearly and concisely indicate the person or team that finished in second place. Ensure the context is clear, specifying the competition or situation in which they achieved this position.

Common error

Avoid using "runner up" (two words) instead of the correct hyphenated form, "runner-up". Using it without the hyphen can be perceived as incorrect in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "runner-up" functions primarily as a noun, designating the individual or entity that finishes in second place in a competition or election. Ludwig examples confirm its role in identifying the immediate successor to the winner.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "runner-up" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the person or entity that finishes second in a competition or contest. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media, but also in formal business and scientific domains. When using "runner-up", remember to hyphenate it correctly, and consider alternatives like "second place finisher" or "second best" for varied expression. By following these guidelines, writers can effectively and accurately employ the term "runner-up" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second place finisher

More literal and descriptive, specifying the exact finishing position.

vice champion

Similar to "runner-up" but less frequently used in English.

the silver medalist

Specific to competitions with medals, like the Olympics.

second best

Implies a comparison of quality rather than just position.

the finalist

Refers to someone who reached the final stage of a competition, but didn't win.

near winner

Emphasizes how close someone was to winning.

the bridesmaid

An idiomatic expression suggesting near success but ultimate failure to win.

contender

Implies someone who was in a strong position to win, but didn't.

challenger

Highlights the competitive nature of the situation.

second-in-command

Refers to a hierarchical structure, where the individual is next in line.

FAQs

How to use "runner-up" in a sentence?

Use "runner-up" to describe the individual or team that finished second in a competition. For example, "She was the "runner-up" in the national spelling bee."

What's the difference between "runner-up" and "finalist"?

"Runner-up" specifically denotes second place, while "finalist" simply means someone who reached the final stage of a competition but didn't necessarily win. The "runner-up" is always a finalist, but not all finalists are "runner-up".

What can I say instead of "runner-up"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "second place finisher", "second best", or "silver medalist".

Is "runner up" or "runner-up" correct?

"Runner-up" is the correct hyphenated form. "Runner up" without the hyphen is generally considered incorrect, especially in formal writing. Always use the hyphenated version.