Word
runoff
US/ˈɹəˌnɔf/
UK/ɹˈʌnɒf/
Definitions
01election
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law
n. a second round of voting that happens when no one wins enough votes the first time.
n. a final round of an election held when no candidate achieves the required majority in the initial ballot.
“Since neither candidate got over fifty percent of the vote, they will have a runoff next month.”
“The political analysts predicted a tight runoff after the third-party candidate siphoned off enough votes to prevent a first-round victory.”
Usage
Often used as a modifier, as in 'runoff election'.
Synonyms
02environmental water
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science
n. water from rain or melting snow that flows over the land into rivers instead of going into the ground.
n. the portion of precipitation that drains from a land area into surface water systems rather than being absorbed into the soil.
“Heavy rain caused agricultural runoff to flow from the farms into the local lake.”
“Environmental scientists monitored the chemical levels in the urban runoff to determine the impact of the new industrial park on the local watershed.”
Antonyms
03sports/competition
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports
n. an extra race or match held to decide a winner when there is a tie.
n. an additional competition or heat held to determine a winner among contestants who finished with equal scores or times.
“The two runners had the exact same time, so they had to compete in a runoff for the gold medal.”
“After three rounds of the tournament ended in a stalemate, the officials organized a sudden-death runoff to satisfy the spectators and crown a champion.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“If neither candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote on Sunday, a runoff will be held on October 25.” “As a result of Sunday’s election, Bolsonarists now control seven of the nine states in the Brazilian Amazon, and could win an eighth in the runoffs.” Etymology
Deverbal from run off.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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