〜ほうがましだ
Formation
Meaning
Used to express that although something is not ideal, it is still preferable to the other (worse) option. It often implies a choice between two negatives.
Note
Indicates picking the 'lesser of two evils'. It is frequently paired with '〜くらいなら' or '〜よりは' to explicitly contrast the preferred (yet still undesirable) option with an even worse alternative.
Examples
泥棒するくらいなら、死ぬほうがましだ。
I'd rather die than steal.
嫌な仕事をするくらいなら、辞めるほうがましだ。
I'd rather quit than do a job I hate.
安物を買ってすぐ壊れるよりは、高いほうがましだ。
It's better to buy something expensive than to buy something cheap that breaks right away.
暑いのは耐えられない。まだ寒いほうがましだ。
I can't stand the heat. Being cold is still better.
適当にやるよりは、下手でも一生懸命なほうがましだ。
Even if you're not good at it, it's better to try your best than to do it half-heartedly.
毎日忙しくて倒れるよりは、暇なほうがましだ。
I'd rather be free than be so busy every day that I collapse.
ひどい真実を知らされるより、嘘のほうがましだ。
A lie is better than being told a terrible truth.
全く何もないよりは、偽物のほうがましだ。
A fake is better than nothing at all.