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

In his ruling, Lord Braid said clinicians had gone "above and beyond" to avoid the need for blood products and he was satisfised they would only be used as a last resort.

From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026

With the conflict in Iran now in its sixth month, U.S. refineries have become the world’s gasoline and diesel suppliers of last resort.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes individuals accused of the gravest atrocities and acts as a last resort when countries do not have adequate legal systems to ensure accountability.

From Barron's ● Aug. 11, 2026

It’s the last resort for institutions on the brink: tapping restricted funds from donors to keep the lights on.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 3, 2026

Desperate to replace the cooling water in the reactor, Yoshida decided it was time to try his last resort: seawater.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland