rat race

noun

: strenuous, wearisome, and usually competitive activity or rush

Examples of rat race in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of being driven by shareholders’ demands, VW managed to stay at the top of the global auto rat race while strategy was determined by trade unions and socialist politicians. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 However, lazy girl jobs might be the right fit for workers who don’t want to join the corporate rat race—and others could take on the gig as a stepping stone to their true passion. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 22 May 2026 But would Miller even want that rat race if any of them wanted him? — Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 25 Mar. 2026 But in its second episode, which aired on Sunday—and is, in my estimation, the show’s greatest hour yet—Industry takes a detour from the London rat race. — Judy Berman, Time, 19 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rat race

Word History

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rat race was in 1937

Rhymes for rat race

See All Rhymes for rat race

Browse Nearby Words

ratproof
rat race
rat rhyme
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rat race.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rat%20race. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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