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

This is what a consolation prize feels like.

From Los Angeles Times

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

The consolation prize was a larger role for Presley.

From The Wall Street Journal

The consolation prize is the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, an award that has evolved into the Too Bad You’re Not a Quarterback trophy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Lucky for Cruise, he got a consolation prize in the form of a Saturn Award nomination from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films.

From Los Angeles Times