second best
Plural
second bests
1
the competitor who finishes second
Synonyms:
2
an alternative that is not as fulfilling or desirable as other options that one has
The idiom "second best" originated from the notion of ranking options or choices in terms of preference or desirability. The term "second best" refers to an alternative that falls short in comparison to other options, lacking the qualities or fulfillment provided by a superior choice. It implies that while the alternative may still have some merit or value, it is not the ideal or optimal selection. In other words, this idiom is commonly used to express the idea of settling for a less desirable option when the preferred choice is unavailable or unattainable.
- I wanted to buy the latest smartphone, but due to budget constraints, I settled for a second-best model.
- Sarah was disappointed when she didn't get the lead role in the play; instead, she was given the second-best part.
- John aimed to win the competition, but he ended up in second place, settling for second best.
- The company initially pursued its top candidate for the job, but when he declined the offer, they had to settle for their second-best choice.