To accept something that is less than what you really wanted or hoped for.
To say 'okay, I'll take this' even though you wanted something better.
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To accept something of lower quality or value than what you originally wanted.
"She didn't want to settle for a small apartment, but it was all she could afford in the city."
Don't settle for less than you deserve.
— Common motivational saying widely attributed to various self-help contexts; exact origin unknown.
To agree to accept a particular outcome in a negotiation or dispute, even if it is not fully satisfactory.
"The company didn't want to go to court, so they settled for a reduced compensation package."
To choose something by default when a preferred option is unavailable.
"The restaurant was out of pasta, so he settled for a sandwich."
To become calm or still in exchange for something — the 'settling' suggests lowering your standards like sediment sinking in water.
To say 'okay, I'll take this' even though you wanted something better.
Often carries a tone of mild disappointment or resignation. Commonly used in both spoken and written English. The phrase 'never settle for less' is a well-known motivational expression.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "settle for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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