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

It’s a bit like that saying: The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now.

From Salon

"The canopies collapse, and we fall roughly about 900ft. Fortunately for us, we landed on sand, and I, unfortunately, came off second best."

From BBC

Overall World Cup leader Shiffrin had been fourth fastest in the first run and clocked the second best time behind Moltzan, who lead the way in the second run, ahead of Hector.

From Barron's

The Dallas-based airline had the fewest customer complaints and tarmac delays, and was second best in on-time arrivals and the rate of canceled flights.

From The Wall Street Journal

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