runaway
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.someone, usually a young person, who leaves their home or family without permission.
n.a person, typically a minor, who has left their home or place of residence without parental or guardian consent.
Simple“The police found the runaway at the train station and took him home safely.”
In context“Social workers often encounter runaways who have fled difficult domestic situations in search of independence in the city.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.moving or happening very quickly in a way that cannot be stopped.
adj.characterised by rapid, unchecked increase or movement that has escaped human or mechanical control.
Simple“The truck became a runaway vehicle after its brakes failed on the steep hill.”
In context“Economists expressed deep concern over runaway inflation, which threatened to devalue the national currency within a matter of months.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.describes a win or success that is very easy and happens by a large amount.
adj.denoting a victory or success achieved easily and by a substantial margin.
Simple“The team had a runaway victory, winning the game by forty points.”
In context“After the early polls closed, it became clear that the incumbent was heading for a runaway success in the local elections.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
adj.leaving a group or job suddenly to do something different or join a rival.
adj.deserting or revolting against a group or established duties, often to join a competing faction.
Simple“The runaway members of the party decided to start their own political group.”
In context“The company struggled to contain the damage after a runaway executive leaked trade secrets to their primary competitor.”
“Sirius, the runaway Allsvenskan leaders, are not most teams.”
“Talent is spread evenly across the country; opportunity is not.” The reasons for London’s runaway success are many.”
Deverbal from run away.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.