runaway
A runaway is someone or something that escapes control or is no longer being managed.
The word "runaway" has different meanings depending on the context. In general, it means something or someone that moves away from what's supposed to happen or be controlled. For example, a child might run away from home if they're unhappy about their life there. A runaway train is one that's lost its brakes and can't be stopped by anyone. It could also refer to a person who leaves without permission or pay for work they were hired to do, like a worker who skips out on the job site.
How common is "runaway"?
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
noun
A person or animal that runs away or has run away; a person, animal, or organization that escapes captivity or restrictions.
Example: Runaways are vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
Real examples of "runaway" in context
