runner-up

[ ruhn-er-uhp ]

noun

, plural run·ners-up.

1. the competitor, player, or team finishing in second place, as in a race, contest, or tournament.
2. runners-up, the competitors who do not win a contest but who place ahead of the majority of the contestants and share in prizes or honors, as those who place second, third, and fourth, or in the top ten.

runner-up

noun

1. a contestant finishing a race or competition in second place

Word History and Origins

Origin of runner-up¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Having finished third in their A group, Steve Clarke's side must beat the B group runner-up to remain in the top tier of the competition.

From BBC

Arsenal, who have been runners-up for the past two seasons, are four points back - level with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Brighton.

From BBC

The 12 group winners will qualify automatically, while the 12 runners-up will enter the play-offs along with the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who have not qualified automatically.

From BBC

Finally, the two nations who finish bottom in League C with the best record will play the runners-up of League D.

From BBC

Littler, who finished runner-up on his debut last year, has been installed as the favourite by bookmakers after winning the Grand Slam.

From BBC