noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
second best
Refers to the next best option or alternative when the ideal is unavailable. Often used in formal or analytical contexts.
Since the ideal plan wasn't approved, we'll consider the second-best option.
This method is the second-best choice.
plan B; alternative plan; workaround
Compound of 次 (next) and 善 (good), literally 'next good'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from the kanji.