last resort

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.

These factors, and others, convinced the judge that he could not detain the boys because the guidelines for sentencing children say that custody is a "last resort", with the priority being rehabilitation.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

The Sentencing Council for England and Wales says that even in very serious cases, courts are expected to prioritise rehabilitation for children and use custody only as a last resort.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

Some teenagers feel betrayed by the bans, which mall owners implement as a last resort despite courting Gen Z shoppers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026

Officials last year announced enforcement action against the California Fair Plan, the state’s insurer of last resort, for allegedly “systematically denying and limiting smoke damage claims from wildfire survivors.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

There was already a substantial underground facility here, developed over centuries to be either a clandestine refuge for government leaders in times of war or a last resort for humanity if life above became unlivable.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins