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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

If the FA Cup really is struggling to count as a consolation prize for Guardiola and City this season, you could have fooled everyone inside Vitality Stadium who watched him.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025

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

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2024

The addition of Longstreet, who rose rapidly up recruiting boards, is no consolation prize.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2024

I looked away, and she put her hand on my arm, which was the worst, because it was the consolation prize.

From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson