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 Fort is meant to be a last resort; no one is advising residents to stay put as flames approach.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026

The policy paper also endorsed substantially shrinking the Fed’s $6.7 trillion asset portfolio and limiting the central bank’s role as a lender of last resort in financial crises.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 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

But police involvement was more of a last resort.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall