front-runners
front-runners — noun
1. the people, teams, or organizations that are currently in the strongest position
the people, teams, or organizations that are currently in the strongest position to win a competition, election, or contest
Two weeks before the election, the three front-runners held a televised debate on tax policy.
election context with front-runners as subject
Lakshmi and Felix became clear front-runners after winning their first three tournament matches.
collocation: clear front-runners
Several electric vehicle startups are now front-runners in the race for affordable long-range cars.
Critics named those two films the front-runners for Best Picture at this year's film awards.
The front-runners for the research grant will present proposals to the funding committee next week.
- favorites
more about public expectation than actual lead; common in sports betting contexts
- leading candidates
more formal and specific to elections or job searches
- contenders
suggests a realistic chance of winning, but not necessarily the leading position
- underdogs
those expected to lose despite possibly being strong competitors
文法句型
the front-runners for [prize/position]
front-runners in [competition/field]
clear/early/main front-runners
用法筆記
Frequently used in news reporting about elections, sports, and business competitions. The singular 'front-runner' is also used but is less common.