third-string
Behind two backups
Third-string describes the lowest tier of backup players on a sports team—behind the starters (first-string) and their primary replacements (second-string).
A third-string quarterback rarely sees game time unless injuries deplete the roster.
Extended to any context, it means lowest priority or least qualified: They sent their third-string negotiators to the preliminary talks.
Stored duplicate for recovery
- alternateOccur in succession
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- replacementWhat takes another's place
- fill-inTemporary substitute person
pinch-hitter · relief · reserve · spare · depth · contingency · insurance
Seldom-used team member
- scrubClean by rubbing hard
- walk-onSmall nonspeaking role
- rosterList of members
- benchShared seating surface
sidelined · untested · backup · reserve · substitute · redshirt · developmental · tryout
One lower in rank
ancillary · peripheral · auxiliary · secondary · marginal · bottom-tier · fallback · expendable
Inexperienced newcomer
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
- greenhornInexperienced, gullible newcomer
- neophyteInexperienced beginner
- fledglingInexperienced newcomer
apprentice · trainee · unproven · untried · raw · amateur · unpolished · developing
backup
Stored duplicate for recovery
- alternateOccur in succession
- stand-inTemporary human placeholder
- replacementWhat takes another's place
fill-in · pinch-hitter · relief · reserve · spare · depth · contingency · insurance
benchwarmer
Seldom-used team member
bench · sidelined · untested · backup · reserve · substitute · redshirt · developmental · tryout · prospect
subordinate
One lower in rank
junior · ancillary · peripheral · auxiliary · secondary · marginal · bottom-tier · fallback · expendable · overlooked
rookie
Inexperienced newcomer
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
- greenhornInexperienced, gullible newcomer
- neophyteInexperienced beginner
fledgling · apprentice · trainee · unproven · untried · raw · amateur · unpolished · developing · learning
third-stringfirst-string
Starting lineup members
starter · starting lineup · number one · top dog · franchise player
third-stringelite
Superior select group
top-tier · world-class · first-rate · premier · A-list
third, string, thirds, strings, strung, stringed, stringing, stringy, stringier