second best

noun

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

second-best

adjective

1. next to the best

2. informal,  to be defeated in competition

noun

1. an inferior alternative

Other Word Forms

• second-best adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of second-best¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Just two years ago, he posted 1,243 yards, the second-best season of his career.

From Los Angeles Times

"That is the second-best leg you will ever see in your life," said Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle.

From BBC

Unfortunately for Glasnow, he was the second-best pitcher on the bump Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

The off-spinner is so far coming off second-best in his duel with the flamboyant Pant.

From BBC

After donning the royal blue and molten orange jersey as part of India’s A — or second-best — national team, Chand struggled and eventually fell off the game-day roster for his home state team in Delhi.

From Los Angeles Times