Settle for
verb phrase
To accept something or someone that is not exactly what you wanted but is good enough.
She wanted a perfect job, but decided to settle for one that was just okay.
Often appears as...
- settle for less
- settle for second best
verb phrase
To compromise on a choice or decision.
The car he wanted was too expensive, so he had to settle for a cheaper model.
Often appears as...
- settle for less
- settle for compromise
verb phrase
To accept something or someone that is not exactly what you wanted but is good enough.
She wanted a perfect job, but decided to settle for one that was just okay.
Often appears as...
- settle for less
- settle for second best
verb phrase
To compromise on a choice or decision.
The car he wanted was too expensive, so he had to settle for a cheaper model.
Often appears as...
- settle for less
- settle for compromise
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Mild Disappointment
Often implies a small sense of disappointment for not getting exactly what was preferred.
I had to settle for the slower train because the express was sold out.
Pro Tip 2/3Realistic Choice
Used when making the most practical or available choice, rather than idealizing.
The apartments in the city were too expensive, so he settled for a place in the suburbs.
Pro Tip 3/3Better Than None
Reflects accepting an option that suffices, over having nothing at all.
Although he wanted steak, he settled for chicken because it was all that was left.
Pro Tip 1/3Mild Disappointment
Often implies a small sense of disappointment for not getting exactly what was preferred.
I had to settle for the slower train because the express was sold out.
Pro Tip 2/3Realistic Choice
Used when making the most practical or available choice, rather than idealizing.
The apartments in the city were too expensive, so he settled for a place in the suburbs.
Pro Tip 3/3Better Than None
Reflects accepting an option that suffices, over having nothing at all.
Although he wanted steak, he settled for chicken because it was all that was left.
Pro Tip 1/3Mild Disappointment
Often implies a small sense of disappointment for not getting exactly what was preferred.
I had to settle for the slower train because the express was sold out.
Pro Tip 2/3Realistic Choice
Used when making the most practical or available choice, rather than idealizing.
The apartments in the city were too expensive, so he settled for a place in the suburbs.
Pro Tip 3/3Better Than None
Reflects accepting an option that suffices, over having nothing at all.
Although he wanted steak, he settled for chicken because it was all that was left.
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