a last resort — final option
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
the only remaining option or solution when all other possibilities have failed or been ruled out, often used when the situation is urgent or undesirable
Say it like a native
Textbook This option should be reserved for the final eventuality, once all alternatives are exhausted.
Native We'd only do that as a last resort.
The idiom captures 'final fallback' in three words; the formal version drags.
Pattern: as noun phrase: as a last resort / in the last resort
In use
- If the pain doesn't go away, surgery may be considered as a last resort.daily life
- If public transport continues to deteriorate, many people may turn to driving as a last resort, even if they would prefer not to.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ We'll use it in last resort.
✓ We'll use it as a last resort.
'AS a last resort' — fixed preposition.
Common collocations
as a last resort— as, only, the absolute, treat it as
Don't confuse it
This sense is different from simply 'resort' (a place for holidays) and from 'last minute' (which refers to timing, not options). 'A last resort' always refers to a final, often reluctant, course of action.