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unexpected contender
/ʌnɪkˈspɛktɪd kənˈtɛndər/
a surprising competitor
In the election, the independent candidate emerged as an unexpected contender.
The independent candidate surprised everyone by becoming a serious competitor.
general
a person or thing that competes in a contest or competition, especially when their participation is surprising or unanticipated
The underdog team became an unexpected contender in the championship.
The team that was not expected to win became a serious competitor.
Her late entry into the race made her an unexpected contender for the title.
Because she joined the competition late, she surprised everyone by becoming a strong competitor.
This phrase is often used in sports, politics, or business to describe a surprising competitor.
Collocations
unexpected contender ina surprising competitor in a specific field or eventemerge as an unexpected contenderto become a surprising competitor
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage in Sports
This phrase is often used in sports to describe a team or athlete that was not expected to perform well but becomes a strong competitor.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Use this phrase when the surprise element is important, not just to describe any competitor.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'unexpected' (not anticipated) and 'contender' (a competitor), emphasizing surprise in competition.
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in contexts where a participant or competitor is not initially considered a serious threat or candidate.
Word Breakdown
unexpected
not anticipated or foreseen
adjectivecontender
a person or thing that competes
nounEnglish Dictionary