second best
/ˈsɛkəndˌbɛst/
adverb
- In a manner that is not the best but is next in quality or performance.
- The team finished second-best after a close match.
- She always tries her hardest, but today she did only second-best.
- He performed second-best in the tournament, losing only in the finals.
noun
- A person or thing that is not the best but is next in rank or quality.
- They settled for the second-best because the top model was sold out.
- Being the second-best in the class is still an achievement.
- In this race, the second-best still receives a prize.
Synonyms
adjective
- Ranked or considered just below the best; not the top choice but still good.
- He gave a second-best effort, but his team still lost the game.
- She won the silver medal, finishing second-best in the competition.
- We bought a second-best car because the best one was too expensive.