second best

American  

noun

1. the next to the best in performance, achievement, craftsmanship, etc.

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second-best British  

adjective

1. next to the best

2. informal to be defeated in competition

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noun

1. an inferior alternative

second best Idioms  

1. Also, second class. Next after the first in rank or quality, inferior to the best, as in We aren't satisfied with being second best in sales, or This hotel is obviously second class. The first term dates from the first half of the 1400s, the variant from about 1800. Also see come off, def. 2; second class.

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Other Word Forms

• second-best adjective

Etymology

Origin of second best

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

“The second best time to vlog … is after 48 hours of work and travel with no sleep,” he joked in one late-night video, “I think that’s how the saying goes.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

It’s a bit like that saying: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now.

From Salon • Jan. 27, 2026

The Dallas-based airline had the fewest customer complaints and tarmac delays, and was second best in on-time arrivals and the rate of canceled flights.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

However, Prendergast came off second best shortly afterwards as Len Ikitau got the better of him in going over to score a try.

From Barron's • Nov. 15, 2025

One college scouting service rated him the second best defensive back prospect in the country, and after the season was over Evans became one of three defensive backs named to the Parade All-American team.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger