Second best
adjective
Not the best, but next after the best.
Despite all his efforts, Peter came in second best in the race.
Often appears as...
- come off second best
- be second best
adverb
In second place or to a lesser degree than something else.
The team played well but finished second best.
Often appears as...
- end up second best
- finish second best
noun
An option regarded as not quite the best but better than all others.
My first choice of university didn't accept me, so I had to settle for my second best.
Often appears as...
- settle for second best
- take the second best
adjective
Not the best, but next after the best.
Despite all his efforts, Peter came in second best in the race.
Often appears as...
- come off second best
- be second best
adverb
In second place or to a lesser degree than something else.
The team played well but finished second best.
Often appears as...
- end up second best
- finish second best
noun
An option regarded as not quite the best but better than all others.
My first choice of university didn't accept me, so I had to settle for my second best.
Often appears as...
- settle for second best
- take the second best
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Comparative Term
Implies comparison to a top standard or best example in a specific context.
Her cooking is good, but with her sister, she's always second best.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Disappointment
Can suggest a mild sense of not reaching the top, despite high achievements.
She won the silver medal and felt second best to the gold medalist.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Inferior
Doesn't mean poor quality, just not the absolute top level.
This phone is second best to the latest model, still, it's a great choice.
Pro Tip 1/3Comparative Term
Implies comparison to a top standard or best example in a specific context.
Her cooking is good, but with her sister, she's always second best.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Disappointment
Can suggest a mild sense of not reaching the top, despite high achievements.
She won the silver medal and felt second best to the gold medalist.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Inferior
Doesn't mean poor quality, just not the absolute top level.
This phone is second best to the latest model, still, it's a great choice.
Pro Tip 1/3Comparative Term
Implies comparison to a top standard or best example in a specific context.
Her cooking is good, but with her sister, she's always second best.
Pro Tip 2/3Slight Disappointment
Can suggest a mild sense of not reaching the top, despite high achievements.
She won the silver medal and felt second best to the gold medalist.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Inferior
Doesn't mean poor quality, just not the absolute top level.
This phone is second best to the latest model, still, it's a great choice.
Never forget "Second best"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension