second-best: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Formal (used across informal, neutral, and formal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “second-best” mean?
The thing or person that is inferior to the best.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The thing or person that is inferior to the best; the runner-up; the next in quality or achievement after the first.
Something that is accepted or used when the preferred option is not available; a state of compromise or settling for something less than ideal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Carries the same connotation of being a substitute for the best, often with a hint of disappointment.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “second-best” in a Sentence
[verb] + second-best (e.g., settle for, accept, finish)second-best + [noun] (e.g., second-best option)the + second-best (functioning as a noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second-best” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- In the final debate, the minister was thoroughly second-bested by her opponent.
- Our team refuses to second-best anyone in the league this season.
American English
- Their product was second-bested by the new startup's innovation.
- He felt he had been second-bested in the negotiation.
adverb
British English
- The team performed second-best in the overall standings.
- He finished second-best in the race, just behind the champion.
American English
- Our model performed second-best in the accuracy tests.
- She ranked second-best among all the applicants.
adjective
British English
- We had to take a second-best route due to the motorway closure.
- She won the second-best prize in the competition.
American English
- This is my second-best suit, for when my favorite one is at the cleaner's.
- They offered a second-best solution that was still quite effective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to a market position, a product alternative, or a strategic fallback plan.
Academic
Describing research findings, theoretical models, or methodological approaches that are not optimal.
Everyday
Talking about choices in products, holiday destinations, or personal achievements.
Technical
Rare in highly technical fields unless discussing rankings or performance metrics (e.g., in machine learning models).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second-best”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second-best”
- Using as a verb incorrectly (e.g., 'He second-best the competitor' is wrong; correct is 'He came off second-best against the competitor').
- Hyphenation error: writing as two separate words ('second best') when used attributively before a noun (correct: 'a second-best result').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it often implies compromise, in contexts like competitions (e.g., 'silver medalist'), it can denote a significant, positive achievement, merely one step below the top.
Hyphenate when it functions as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., 'a second-best effort'). Do not hyphenate when it follows a verb and functions as a noun or adverb (e.g., 'finish second best', 'settle for second best').
Yes, but it is rare and somewhat formal/literary. It means to outdo or defeat someone, making them second-best (e.g., 'Her argument second-bested his'). The more common expression is the phrasal verb 'come off second-best'.
They are often synonyms. 'Runner-up' is almost exclusively used for competition rankings. 'Second-best' has a wider application, describing the quality or desirability of objects, ideas, or plans, not just competitive results.
The thing or person that is inferior to the best.
Second-best is usually neutral to formal (used across informal, neutral, and formal contexts) in register.
Second-best: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈbest/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsek.ənd ˈbest/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come off second-best”
- “settle for second best”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an Olympic podium: the GOLD medalist is the BEST, the SILVER medalist stands on the SECOND step and is SECOND-BEST.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS VERTICALITY (Second-best is lower than the best); COMPETITION IS A RACE (Second-best is the one who didn't win).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'come off second-best', what does it mean?