second-string
Not starting lineup
Second-string describes someone or something that serves as a backup rather than the primary choice.
The term comes from sports, where second-string players sit on the bench until needed to replace starters.
Beyond athletics, it applies to any reserve or subordinate position: The second-string quarterback finally got his chance or We had to rely on our second-string plan when negotiations fell through.
The implication is competent but not first-rate.
Seldom-used team member
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- reserveSupply kept back
- minor-leagueBelow professional level
- non-starterDoomed idea or plan
role-player · walk-on · redshirt · roster · scrub · prospect · developmental
What takes another's place
- fill-inTemporary substitute person
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- alternateOccur in succession
understudy · reliever · pinch-hitter · proxy · surrogate · locum · temp · stopgap
Backup actor, ready nightly
- traineeOne being instructed
- protégéPerson guided by expert
- menteeOne receiving guidance
- apprenticeLearner bound to employer
rookie · novice · intern · learner · shadow · heir-apparent · rising · emerging
One lower in rank
auxiliary · ancillary · adjunct · supporting · minor · peripheral · marginal · backbencher
benchwarmer
Seldom-used team member
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- reserveSupply kept back
- minor-leagueBelow professional level
non-starter · role-player · walk-on · redshirt · roster · scrub · prospect · developmental
replacement
What takes another's place
- fill-inTemporary substitute person
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
alternate · understudy · reliever · pinch-hitter · proxy · surrogate · locum · temp · stopgap · cover
understudy
Backup actor, ready nightly
apprentice · rookie · novice · intern · learner · shadow · heir-apparent · rising · emerging · developmental
subordinate
One lower in rank
B-list · auxiliary · ancillary · adjunct · supporting · minor · peripheral · marginal · backbencher · underling
- backupsbackup copy, backup file, backup drive, backup system, backup generator
- reservesreserve, reserves, bank reserves, cash reserves, fuel reserve
second-stringfirst-string
Starting lineup members
starting · starter · varsity · A-team · number one
second-stringfirst-rate
Of superior quality
premier · top-notch · world-class · blue-chip · prime
second, string, secondly, strings, strung, stringed, stringing, stringy