In the running Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹənɪŋ

IN-thuh-RUN-ing

UK

ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈʌnɪŋ

IN-thuh-RUN-ing

Definition

To still have a chance to win, be chosen, or succeed in a competition or process.

Usage & Nuances

Common in both formal and informal contexts, especially sports, business, and elections. Does not mean running physically. "Still in the running" or "out of the running" are typical forms. Not interchangeable with "in the race" when referring to physical competition only.

• Spanish: en carrera - con posibilidades
• Portuguese (BR): na disputa - com chance
• Portuguese (PT): na corrida - com hipótese
• Chinese (Simplified): 有机会 - 有希望
• Chinese (Traditional): 有機會 - 有望
• Hindi: दौड़ में - प्रतिस्पर्धा में
• Arabic: في المنافسة - لديه فرصة
• Bengali: প্রতিযোগিতায় আছে - জেতার সুযোগ আছে
• Russian: ещё в числе претендентов - всё ещё имеет шансы
• Japanese: 可能性がある - まだ候補である
• Vietnamese: vẫn còn cơ hội - còn trong cuộc đua
• Korean: 경쟁 대상에 있다 - 가능성이 있다
• Turkish: yarışta olmak - şansı olmak
• Urdu: سنجیدہ امیدوار ہونا - مقابلے میں رہنا
• Indonesian: masih berpeluang - masih dalam persaingan

Example Sentences

She is still in the running for the scholarship.

basic

Are you in the running for the team captain position?

basic

Only two candidates are in the running for mayor now.

basic

After that mistake, I'm not sure if we're still in the running.

natural

Don’t count him out—he’s definitely in the running for the promotion.

natural

Even as an underdog, the team stayed in the running until the final round.

natural