second best

American  

noun

1. the next to the best in performance, achievement, craftsmanship, etc.

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second-best British  

adjective

1. next to the best

2. informal to be defeated in competition

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noun

1. an inferior alternative

second best Idioms  

1. Also, second class. Next after the first in rank or quality, inferior to the best, as in We aren't satisfied with being second best in sales, or This hotel is obviously second class. The first term dates from the first half of the 1400s, the variant from about 1800. Also see come off, def. 2; second class.

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Other Word Forms

• second-best adjective

Etymology

Origin of second best

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Her favorite proverb, which is included in the book, is this: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

From The Wall Street Journal

For much of the first half, they were second best to a Hibs side who came flying out the traps before taking fright at the sight of the final third.

From BBC

The second best thing is managing the team.

From BBC

The Bills had won seven in a row against Miami but were second best from the start as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 winners in an eye-opening result - and performance.

From BBC

It was mentioned to us that we were second best as a group because we kept coming second to Manchester United.

From BBC