temporary winner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "temporary winner" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is currently in a leading position but may not remain so for long, such as in competitions or games. Example: "After the first round of the tournament, she was declared the temporary winner until the final scores were tallied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Or, is it going to get held up because each business will decide whether they're a temporary winner or loser compared to the status quo?" The stakes extend beyond corporate taxes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

City's rise is temporary, because the winner of Manchester United-Arsenal on Monday night will reclaim the top spot.

The New York Times - Sports

The statute specifies that when the office becomes vacant or is filled by a temporary appointee, the winner of the next regular election "shall also succeed to the office for the remainder of the unexpired term".

The New York Times

Overnight, former (temporary) Tour de France winner Floyd Landis accused Armstrong of doping, a charge the seven-time champion denied in a meeting with reporters.

Huffington Post

The idea is a political winner, but a temporary cut does little to encourage hiring or spending.

The New York Times

This rebound toward the previous winner after a temporary tendency toward the opposite percept is even more pronounced if one externally forces perception to the opposite interpretation by means of a disambiguated stimulus, instead of waiting for a spontaneous switch to occur during continuous presentation (Supporting Text S1, Figure S3).

Plosone

After the final whistle Gillingham's temporary captain Adrian Pennock received the winners' trophy jointly with the team's usual captain, Paul Smith, who had come on as a substitute.

Wikipedia

When they meet in Lincoln, Neb., on Saturday, one streak will end, and the winner will claim more than temporary supremacy in the Big 12.

The New York Times - Sports

The group will distribute prize packs which include consent-themed condoms, temporary tattoos, stickers and stencils to each winner.

Huffington Post

This tournament was his first grand slam working with 2006 Wimbledon winner Mauresmo, who he appointed as temporary successor to Ivan Lendl only last month.

The Guardian - Sport

Sir Stafford Cripps, the austerity chancellor, has been placed in temporary cold storage and replaced by the famous pools winner Viv Nicholson.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "temporary winner" when you want to emphasize that someone's current success is not likely to last, often due to upcoming challenges or changes in circumstances. It's useful in competitive scenarios where the lead can shift quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "temporary winner" when the success is expected to last for a considerable period, even if not permanently. "Temporary" implies a very short duration. If the duration is longer, consider "provisional winner" or "interim leader".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "temporary winner" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "temporary" modifies the noun "winner". It describes someone or something that currently holds a winning position, but this position is expected to be short-lived. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "temporary winner" is grammatically correct and usable, albeit not very common. It serves to denote a lead or victory expected to be short-lived, often in scenarios where conditions are likely to change. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase with neutral register. Use "temporary winner" when you want to specifically highlight the fleeting nature of a victory, and be mindful of the context to ensure the implied transience is accurate. Consider alternatives like "interim champion" or "provisional victor" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

interim champion

Focuses on the period between permanent holders of a title.

provisional victor

Emphasizes the uncertainty of the win being confirmed.

brief champion

Similar to short-term leader but specifically for championships.

short-term leader

Highlights the brief duration of the leadership position.

transient victor

Underscores the fleeting nature of the victory.

momentary winner

Focuses on the brief duration of the winning moment.

fleeting victory

Similar to passing triumph, focusing on the quick disappearance of the victory.

ephemeral success

Shifts the focus from the person to the success itself, highlighting its brief existence.

passing triumph

Highlights the victory as something that will not last.

incumbent titleholder

Describes someone currently holding a title but facing an upcoming challenge.

FAQs

How to use "temporary winner" in a sentence?

You can use "temporary winner" to describe someone or something that is currently in a leading position but may not remain so for long. For example: "After the first round of the tournament, she was declared the "temporary winner" until the final scores were tallied."

What can I say instead of "temporary winner"?

You can use alternatives like "interim champion", "provisional victor", or "short-term leader" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "temporary winner" versus "provisional winner"?

"Temporary winner" emphasizes the short duration of the win, while "provisional winner" suggests that the win is subject to confirmation or change based on further events or verification.

Is it always negative to be called a "temporary winner"?

Not necessarily. While it suggests that the success is not permanent, it can also acknowledge current achievement. The tone depends on the context and how it's communicated. It can be a neutral observation or a motivational challenge to maintain the lead.