Definition

Noun A final course of action, strategy, or option that is used only when all other possibilities have failed or are unavailable. It is considered the ultimate, often least desirable, alternative in a desperate situation.

Usage

This noun phrase is used to describe the final option available. It is typically preceded by articles like "a," "the," or possessive pronouns (e.g., "my," "our"). It often follows verbs like "be," "use," "consider," or "have."

Examples

• Filing for bankruptcy should be a last resort.
• When negotiations failed, military action was the last resort.
• I keep this emergency fund as my last resort.

Advanced Usage

• As a last resort: This is the most common adverbial phrase, meaning "if all other methods fail."
  • We will, as a last resort, appeal the court's decision.
• Of last resort: Used attributively to describe a final option.
  • The central bank acts as the lender of last resort to financial institutions.

Variants and Related Words

• Last-resort (adjective): Used before a noun to describe something that is the final option.
  • They discussed last-resort measures to save the company.

Synonyms

• Final option
• Ultimate recourse
• Desperate measure
• Stopgap (a temporary last resort)

Related Idioms

• The end of the line/road: Suggests the final point where no further options exist.
• When all else fails: A clause introducing a last-resort action.

Noun

1. an expedient adopted only in desperation
   • `pis aller' is French for `worst going'