Word
frontrunner
Phoneticsfron·trun·ner, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɹənˌtɹənɝ/
UK/fɹˈʌntɹʌnɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the person or thing that is leading in a race or competition. You use this when someone is clearly ahead of the others and looks like they will win.
n. a person or entity that is leading in a competition, election, or race. Often used in political or sporting contexts to describe a candidate with a significant lead in the polls.
Examples
“She is the frontrunner for the job.”
“After the debate, the candidate became the frontrunner, gaining a ten-point lead in the latest opinion polls.”
“While several candidates entered the race, only one emerged as the clear frontrunner, consolidating enough support to make a serious challenge to the incumbent.”
Examples
simple
“She is the frontrunner for the job.”
contextual
“After the debate, the candidate became the frontrunner, gaining a ten-point lead in the latest opinion polls.”
complex
“While several candidates entered the race, only one emerged as the clear frontrunner, consolidating enough support to make a serious challenge to the incumbent.”
Real-World Examples
“She is now among the frontrunners to be named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.” “Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian For my money, I didn’t have either winner down as frontrunner for the prize, which is famously a star-maker in British comedy.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/frontrunner