last resort

Idioms  

1. A final expedient or recourse to achieve some end or settle a difficulty. For example, If you don't improve, we'll try this new medication as a last resort. This term originally referred to a court of law from which there was no appeal. [Late 1600s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

last resort

For months, major employers treated hiring as an expensive last resort.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

"We do implement a number of deterrents and any other measures are as a last resort only," the operator said.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

Many of her own patients came only after first visiting indigenous healers, Tan said, viewing psychiatry as a "last resort".

From Barron's ● Jul. 19, 2026

But you should still save it as a last resort.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 10, 2026

She also warned him to use it only as a last resort.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull