consolation prize
noun
  1. A prize given to a competitor who loses or does not win the first prize.
from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. More at Wordnik
It means someone didn't get their first choice so had to settle for the next best thing. Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
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Vocabulary.com
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Consolation prize - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
The idea is that although a runner or spelling bee competitor wasn't victorious, they deserve a prize to console them for their loss. Consolation is derived from a Latin word meaning "offer comfort or solace."
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Dictionary.com
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CONSOLATION PRIZE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
CONSOLATION PRIZE definition: a prize, usually of minor value, given to the loser or runner-up in a contest, competition, etc., or to all losers who have performed well or met certain standards. See examples of consolation prize used in a sentence.
Discussions

What does the saying “I’m just a consolation prize to you” mean?
It means someone didn't get their first choice so had to settle for the next best thing. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/etymology
4
5
July 6, 2020
Consolation bracket Winner? Yeah you get nothing. [Premier Beta]
Technically the consolation bracket winners are third to the champions and the other team that lost to the winners in the final. So to justify a prize for consolation bracket winners you would have to give a prize to the second place ppl as well. At that point giving 3 prizes to 3/8 teams seems like it devalues the reward. More on reddit.com
🌐 r/VALORANT
6
0
May 22, 2023
What's another word(s) for a "booby prize"
🌐 r/whatstheword
42
64
July 30, 2019
There, there...
I'm not an etymologist by any means but you've piqued my interest. Can you share these sources that you didn't think sounded right? More on reddit.com
🌐 r/etymology
30
83
April 4, 2017
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Merriam-Webster
merriam-webster.com › dictionary › consolation prize
CONSOLATION PRIZE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
2 weeks ago - The meaning of CONSOLATION PRIZE is a prize given to a runner-up or a loser in a contest.
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Wiktionary
en.wiktionary.org › wiki › consolation_prize
consolation prize - Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Dati is already a local mayor in the neighbourhood, a job felt to have been handed to her on a plate when she was a Sarkozy favourite. She has since fallen from grace, and when she left government she took a European parliament seat, considered a consolation prize.
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Cambridge Dictionary
dictionary.cambridge.org › us › dictionary › english › consolation-prize
CONSOLATION PRIZE definition | Cambridge English Dictionary
February 4, 2026 - CONSOLATION PRIZE meaning: 1. a small prize given to someone who has taken part in a competition, but who has not won 2. a…. Learn more.
Find elsewhere
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WordReference
wordreference.com › english dictionary › consolation prize
consolation prize - WordReference.com Dictionary of English
consolation prize - WordReference English dictionary, questions, discussion and forums. All Free.
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Longman
ldoceonline.com › dictionary › consolation-prize
consolation prize | meaning of consolation prize in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English | LDOCE
consolation prize meaning, definition, what is consolation prize: a prize that is given to someone who has...: Learn more.
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YourDictionary
yourdictionary.com › home › dictionary meanings › consolation prize definition
Consolation Prize Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary
A prize given to a contestant who does well but does not win, or who wins in a match for those previously defeated. ... Mistrust vs. Distrust: Be Confident In Your Usage · What Does Hygge Mean? The Word (and Concept) Explained ... Find similar words to consolation prize using the buttons below.
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TheFreeDictionary.com
thefreedictionary.com › consolation+prize
Consolation prize - definition of consolation prize by The Free Dictionary
Define consolation prize. consolation prize synonyms, consolation prize pronunciation, consolation prize translation, English dictionary definition of consolation prize. n. A prize given to a competitor who loses or does not win the first prize.
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Thesaurus.com
thesaurus.com › browse › consolation-prize
CONSOLATION PRIZE Synonyms & Antonyms - 4 words | Thesaurus.com
The consolation prize is the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, an award that has evolved into the Too Bad You’re Not a Quarterback trophy.
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Goong
goong.com › word › consolation_prize_meaning
consolation prize meaning | Goong.com - New Generation Dictionary
Etymology: The term “consolation” comes from the Latin consolatio, which means “comfort” or “solace.” The word prize has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French prize meaning “something of value or worth.” The combination of the two reflects the idea of receiving ...
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Encyclopedia.com
encyclopedia.com › humanities › dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases › consolation-prize
consolation prize | Encyclopedia.com
con·so·la·tion prize • n. a prize given to a competitor who narrowly fails to win or who finishes last. Source for information on consolation prize: The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English dictionary.
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Urban Dictionary
urbandictionary.com › define.php
Urban Dictionary: Consolation Prize
October 10, 2009 - A prize given to someone who does not deserve/ did not get the real thing, but needs to be acknowledged somehow. She's just the consolation prize.
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Reverso
dictionary.reverso.net › english-definition › consolation+prize
CONSOLATION PRIZE - Definition & Meaning - Reverso English Dictionary
consolation prize definition: small prize given to non-winners in a competition. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, related words.
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WordHippo
wordhippo.com › what-is › another-word-for › consolation_prize.html
What is another word for "consolation prize"?
Synonyms for consolation prize include consolation award, booby prize and second prize. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com!