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.

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consolation prize British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of consolation prize

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

consolation prize

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

The consolation prize was a larger role for Presley.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 29, 2025

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

From Salon ● Nov. 30, 2024

The Bruins went on to lose to Wisconsin in perhaps the first Rose Bowl seen as a consolation prize.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2024

As if this was the consolation prize for the gossip she was in for.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd