consolation prize

American  

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 British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of consolation prize

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The consolation prize was a larger role for Presley.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

They had booked the full tour of Parliament but turned up on the wrong day so as a consolation prize are going to watch MPs in action.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Leftovers became less a consolation prize and more a creative challenge.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2024

For Wasserman Schultz, a onetime chair of the DNC herself, this party becoming her biggest stage of the night seemed not much of a consolation prize.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 2024

There’s no way to avoid standing up and walking across the stage to accept my consolation prize.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison