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

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

From Literature

That’s the consolation prize for losing the entire U.S. government as a customer.

From The Wall Street Journal

“If you don’t have quite good enough credit to qualify for a 0% balanced-transfer card, a low-interest personal loan is a pretty good consolation prize,” Schulz said.

From MarketWatch

Tahnoon was given what many viewed as a consolation prize—control over two of the country’s largest wealth funds, making him the face of the country’s financial arm.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is what a consolation prize feels like.

From Los Angeles Times