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

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 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 • Nov. 10, 2025

Pixar will likely accept the record-breaking $1.7-billion worldwide gross for its sequel to the 2015 Oscar winner as a consolation prize for its second-place finish in Round 1 of the BuzzMeter.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2024

For Wasserman Schultz, a onetime chair of the DNC herself, this party becoming her biggest stage of the night seemed not much of a consolation prize.

From Slate • Aug. 21, 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