Learn English – Word for a less-than-optimal positive outcome or ending

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I'm looking for a word that describes the ending our outcome of a story that is positive for the protagonist but not the most positive outcome that could have happened.

For example: The protagonist gets into university but his girlfriend doesn't. He's achieving part of his dreams but not with his dream partner.

Best Answer

Not entirely a storybook ending.

Websters:

(adjective) typical of romantic tales in storybooks: storybook ending

From International Stereotypers' and Electrotypers' Union Journal, Volume 14 (1919):

They have our best wishes and all of us hope for a real storybook ending - that they will marry and live happily ever after.

Not entirely can mean "in part" or "not fully".

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