last resort

Idioms

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.

A last resort would be a conservatorship, which is an involuntary process and takes place when a person is unable to take care of their finances.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Waiting lists have not been used in over a decade and are widely viewed as a last resort, per KFF.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

He said users often claim removing contact with family members is now becoming a trend - but Ben believes becoming estranged is the "last resort" for many.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2026

The government can elect to expressly be a buyer of last resort by only supporting suppliers when demand is weak, thus promoting more consistent production.

From Barron's • Mar. 9, 2026

For Africans, we were the firm of first choice and last resort.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023