runnerup

Runner-up is a noun referring to a participant who finishes in second place in a competition or contest. The term derives from the act of running up into a position immediately behind the winner, and it is commonly used across sports, elections, and awards to identify the second-placed finisher. The standard spelling in modern English is runner-up, with a hyphen; the unhyphenated form runnerup is less common and typically considered a misspelling.

In sports, the runner-up often receives the silver medal or equivalent recognition, though prize structures vary by event. In competitive elections or ballots, the runner-up is the candidate with the second-highest vote total, who may gain prominence in subsequent rounds or future contests when the winner is unable to continue.

Usage notes: runner-up can be pluralized as runners-up. The term is neutral and widely applicable, from organized championships to informal contests. It should not be confused with “second place” as a descriptive label, whereas “runner-up” emphasizes the person who achieved that position.