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runoff

RUN-awf /ˈrʌnˌɔːf/

nounadjectiveB2SATTOEFLUPSC

formalpolitical

A further competition or election held to determine a winner when an earlier contest ended without a clear winner or absolute majority.

In two-round electoral systems, top candidates advance to a runoff so the winner ultimately achieves a true majority.

The story behind the word. Originally an American sporting term from the mid-19th century used in horse racing and athletics when two competitors tied and had to 'run off' an additional race to determine the sole winner. It transitioned into political vocabulary around the turn of the 20th century.

Word relationships

second round: 'Second round' is the generic term used in European politics, whereas 'runoff' is the primary American English term.

first-round victory: Winning an election outright in the initial round without needing a follow-up.

Commonly confused with

plurality: A plurality is winning without 50%; a runoff is held specifically because no candidate won a majority in the first round.

Word family

run off (phrasal verb): To compete in a tie-breaking contest.

Collocations

runoff election
force a runoff
advance to a runoff
runoff primary

Example sentences

"Because no candidate reached fifty percent, the election proceeded to a runoff." Electoral reporting
"Campaign strategists shifted focus to securing endorsement before the December runoff election." Political strategy

Memory hook

RUN OFF the tie: Running one extra race to eliminate tie scores. Round two to break a tie or secure a majority.

When not to use

Do not use in single-round elections where a plurality is sufficient to win.

Fun facts

France uses a presidential runoff system: if no candidate wins over 50% in round one, the top two candidates face off two weeks later.

Related words

plurality, ballot, turnout

Explore more words

plurality, qualify, tournament, championship, postpone, deadlock