# settle for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/settle-for
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to accept something that is not your first choice because you cannot get what you really want.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He settled for to buy the cheaper phone." but "He settled for buying the cheaper phone." — The preposition 'for' must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.