Noun
lesser evil (plural lesser evils)
Given two bad choices, the one that is less objectionable.
War is evil, but it is often the lesser evil. George Orwell
Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil. Niccolò Machiavelli
[T]he basic decisions are... about aims... what is desirable... the greater good or the lesser evil in the case of conflicting aims... what sacrifice we are willing to make for a certain achievement, and at what point the sacrifice outweighs the advantages. Peter Drucker
The absence of a decision could result in an impetuous, dangerous development of a situation which has got out of any control. There is no ideal solution in such circumstances. The only thing is to find the optimal solution, "a lesser evil." Wojciech Jaruzelski
Never let any Government imagine that it can choose perfectly safe courses... Prudence consists in knowing how to distinguish the character of troubles, and for choice to take the lesser evil. Niccolò Machiavelli
for the lesser evil is reckoned a good in comparison with the greater evil, since the lesser evil is rather to be chosen than the greater. Aristotle