# rat race

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rat-race
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

the busy and stressful way of life in modern society where people compete for money and power. You use this to describe a job or lifestyle that feels exhausting and never-ending.

For teachers: a frantic and competitive way of life, especially within a corporate or professional environment, in which people compete for wealth or status. Usually implies a sense of futility or lack of personal fulfilment.

## Examples

- He left the rat race to open a small farm.
- After twenty years in corporate law, she finally decided to quit the rat race and spend more time with her family.
- The urban rat race often forces individuals to prioritise career advancement over mental health, leading to widespread burnout in high-pressure industries.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'quit', 'escape', or 'join'; typically takes 'the' as a singular collective concept.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.