Phrasal verb
settle for
Definition
phrasal verb. to accept something that is not your first choice because you cannot get what you really want.
phrasal verb. to accept something less than ideal or satisfactory because a better alternative is unavailable. Transitive — requires a prepositional object.
Examples
“I wanted a blue car, but I had to settle for a white one.”
“The team wanted to win the championship, but they had to settle for second place after a tough final match.”
“Rather than risk a lengthy and expensive trial with an uncertain outcome, the plaintiff chose to settle for the initial compensation offer.”
Examples
simple
“I wanted a blue car, but I had to settle for a white one.”
contextual
“The team wanted to win the championship, but they had to settle for second place after a tough final match.”
complex
“Rather than risk a lengthy and expensive trial with an uncertain outcome, the plaintiff chose to settle for the initial compensation offer.”
Usage
Always followed by the thing you are accepting, usually a noun or a gerund.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'settle on' (to decide on something after thinking) to help students distinguish between choosing a preference versus accepting a compromise.
Pitfall
He settled for to buy the cheaper phone.
He settled for buying the cheaper phone.
The preposition 'for' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
settle + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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