backmarker
Racer trailing everyone
A backmarker is a competitor running near the rear of a race, particularly in motorsport or track events.
The term is more common in British English and often appears when discussing how leaders navigate slower competitors: The frontrunners had to weave through backmarkers on the final lap.
Unlike "last place," backmarker suggests a cluster of trailing competitors rather than a single individual.
Last-place finisher
- lappedPassed by one circuit
- trailingFollowing behind something
- stragglerOne who lags behind
- rearguardTroops protecting retreating forces
outpaced · overtaken · grid · pitstop · checkpoint · circuit · laptime · speedway
Presumed loser beforehand
- outsiderOne excluded from group
- longshotUnlikely to succeed
- minnowSmall freshwater fish
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
rookie · also-ran · bottom-dweller · wooden spoon · relegation · standings · league table · rankings
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- doggednessUnyielding determination to continue
persistence · resolve · staying power · never give up · struggle · improvement · comeback · personal best
tailender
Last-place finisher
rearguard · outpaced · overtaken · grid · pitstop · checkpoint · circuit · laptime · speedway · motorsport
underdog
Presumed loser beforehand
novice · rookie · also-ran · bottom-dweller · wooden spoon · relegation · standings · league table · rankings · dark horse
determination
Firmness of purpose
- gritDetermination or abrasive particles
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
doggedness · persistence · resolve · staying power · never give up · struggle · improvement · comeback · personal best · finishing
backmarkerfrontrunner
Leading candidate or competitor
leader · pacesetter · race leader · pole-sitter · front-runner
backmarkerfrontrunner
Leading candidate or competitor
champion · contender · favorite · front-runner · top dog