consolation prize

noun

1. 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.

consolation prize

noun

1. a prize given to console a loser of a game

Word History and Origins

Origin of consolation prize¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

For some parents no consolation prize is great enough to trade precious time with their families.

From The Daily Beast

But he might have to settle for the best-foreign-film Oscar as a consolation prize.

From The Daily Beast

Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.

From The Daily Beast

When Gerald Ford picked Nelson Rockefeller as vice president from 1974 to 1977, it was a consolation prize to a burned-out boom.

From The Daily Beast

They left in a huff, taking all the computers and office equipment as a consolation prize.

From The Daily Beast

Eternal punishment wasn't provided as a consolation prize for anybody, so far as I know.

From Project Gutenberg

As you see, he is no beauty, and he'll never wear the stick pin unless it's given for a consolation prize.

From Project Gutenberg

He did need some consolation prize, and anyway he persuaded me to let him have an aeroplane.

From Project Gutenberg

However, as a consolation prize, and as I was leaving, the headmaster gave me a second prize.

From Project Gutenberg

"A consolation prize; open it after you start," he whispered.

From Project Gutenberg