last resort
noun
: something done only if nothing else works
Asking for more time should be our last resort.
Examples of last resort in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Waste that cannot be recycled is directed toward recovery of materials or energy, with disposal treated as a last resort.
—
Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
Without going into detail, both treat war as the option of last resort, both try to limit reckless destruction of life and property and both try to minimize injury to noncombatants.
—Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Each has its place in getting rid of weeds in grass, although using a non-selective herbicide on a lawn should be considered the method of last resort.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
The fear at the time was that the United States had become the borrower of last resort for the world’s excess saving, running current-account deficits on a scale that could not continue indefinitely, and that when the imbalance unwound, the adjustment might be abrupt and ugly.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for last resort
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 May 2026
Without going into detail, both treat war as the option of last resort, both try to limit reckless destruction of life and property and both try to minimize injury to noncombatants.
—Kenneth Seeskin, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
Each has its place in getting rid of weeds in grass, although using a non-selective herbicide on a lawn should be considered the method of last resort.
—David Beaulieu, The Spruce, 11 May 2026
The fear at the time was that the United States had become the borrower of last resort for the world’s excess saving, running current-account deficits on a scale that could not continue indefinitely, and that when the imbalance unwound, the adjustment might be abrupt and ugly.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for last resort
Cite this Entry
“Last resort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last%20resort. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
