What is another word for also-ran?
Pronunciation: [ˈɒlsə͡ʊɹˈan] (IPA) 
The term 'also-ran' is often used to describe a loser or someone who fared poorly in a competition. There are many synonyms available for this word, each with their own unique nuances. 'Loser' is a straightforward alternative, but can be considered quite harsh. 'Underdog' refers to someone who is not expected to win, and therefore can elicit sympathy. 'Runner-up' implies a closer competition, with the second-place finisher being close to victory. 'Non-winner' is more neutral, and simply implies that the person did not win. Overall, there are many ways to express the idea of an 'also-ran,' and selecting the best synonym depends on the context and tone of the discussion.
