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

The consolation prize was a larger role for Presley.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

A play-off spot would have been viewed as an unlikely consolation prize at the start of the season.

From BBC • Jan. 29, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 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

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

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison