Forgiveness for a second-rate answer (10)
I believe the answer is:
absolution
'forgiveness' is the definition.
(absolution is release from guilt)
'a second-rate answer' is the wordplay.
'second rate' becomes 'b'.
'answer' becomes 'solution' (synonyms).
'a'+'b'+'solution'='ABSOLUTION'
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for absolution that I've seen before include "acquittal" , "discharge" , "pardon" , "Forgiveness" , "Release from guilt" .)