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.

Quiet professionals understand that violence is risky and costly, and use it only as a last resort.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

“The IRS has lien and levy power to collect taxes. But to take your primary residence would require court action, which would be a last resort for collection,” Cordes said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Pitchford said he unsuccessfully tried to leave the army twice, before telling a forces doctor that he was gay to try to get a medical discharge as a last resort.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 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

However, regular dog eating has been a last resort of meat-deprived human societies: the Aztecs had no other domestic mammal, and the Polynesians and ancient Chinese had only pigs and dogs.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond