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Synonyms

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]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"A decision to cull pigeons is only taken as a last resort, where all other options have been exhausted," they added.

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

Nicknamed PixTinder by some, PIX has even become a last resort for jilted lovers.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 18, 2026

But you should still save it as a last resort.

From MarketWatch Jul. 10, 2026

She always calls, only texts as a last resort.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

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