What it means
だけましだ expresses that a situation is not ideal, but is still better than the alternatives or than it could have been. It often conveys relief or consolation after acknowledging a disadvantage. It attaches directly to a plain-form verb or an i-adjective. A na-adjective normally takes な, while a noun generally needs a predicate form such as である before だけましだ. The polite counterpart is だけましです.
Usage note
Do not normally attach a noun directly as Nだけましだ for this meaning. That form can easily be understood as the ordinary exclusive use of だけ, meaning “only N”; use Nであるだけましだ when the concessive meaning is intended.
How to use it
原因が誤解であるだけましです。
At least the cause is a misunderstanding.
部屋が静かなだけましです。
At least the room is quiet.
待ち時間が短いだけましです。
At least the waiting time is short.
電車が遅れなかっただけましです。
At least the train was not late.
原因が誤解であるだけましだ。
At least the cause is a misunderstanding.
部屋が静かなだけましだ。
At least the room is quiet.
待ち時間が短いだけましだ。
At least the waiting time is short.
電車が遅れなかっただけましだ。
At least the train was not late.