better than nothing
At least something
Better than nothing describes something inadequate but preferable to having nothing at all.
The phrase damns with faint praise—acknowledging that while a thing falls short, its complete absence would be worse: The pay is lousy, but it's better than nothing.
Often used to accept disappointing outcomes with resignation.
Consolation within misfortune
- solaceRelief from distress
- reliefEasing of distress
- upsideFavorable aspect
- bright sidePositive aspect of something
saving grace · at least · improvement · benefit · advantage · cold comfort · ray of hope · glimmer
Exchange requiring sacrifice
- concessionYielding a point
- middle groundPosition between extremes
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
stopgap · makeshift · workaround · half-measure · negotiation · give-and-take · adjustment · arrangement
Minimally sufficient quality
- tolerableAble to be endured
- acceptableMeeting minimum standards
- sufficientMeeting minimum requirements
- adequateBarely meeting standards
satisfactory · serviceable · functional · workable · okay · decent · fair · mediocre
silver lining
Consolation within misfortune
bright side · saving grace · at least · improvement · benefit · advantage · cold comfort · ray of hope · glimmer · positive spin
trade-off
Exchange requiring sacrifice
- concessionYielding a point
- middle groundPosition between extremes
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
fallback · stopgap · makeshift · workaround · half-measure · negotiation · give-and-take · adjustment · arrangement · deal
passable
Minimally sufficient quality
- tolerableAble to be endured
- acceptableMeeting minimum standards
- sufficientMeeting minimum requirements
adequate · satisfactory · serviceable · functional · workable · okay · decent · fair · mediocre · livable
better than nothingideal
Standard of perfection
excellent · perfect · first-rate · top-notch · counterproductive
better than nothingmore than enough
Quantity exceeding necessity
plenty · abundant · ample · generous · overflowing
better than nothingnothing at all
absolutely nothing · zilch · nada · zip · not a thing
better, nothing, betterment, bettered, bettering, nothingness