Recourse: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：last resort (recourse)

recourse 🔊

/ˈriːkɔːrs/

The final option or action you can take when other solutions fail, especially a legal right to demand compensation.

Recourse definition illustrated by a person seeking a solution via customer service chat on a computer.

last resort 🔊

➕

/ˌlɑːst rɪˈzɔːrt/

A source of help or a course of action that is turned to when all other options have been exhausted, particularly in a legal or formal context.

📁 Category：Laws & Regulations 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'recursus' (a running back), from 're-' (back) + 'currere' (to run). Meaning: a turning to for help.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 're-Course': like choosing a different course of action when your first plan fails. It's your backup 'course'.

📖 Example

If the product is faulty and the seller refuses to help, recourse is to contact the customer service department for a refund. 🔊 If the product is faulty and the seller refuses to help, the last resort is to contact the customer service department for a refund.

🔗 Collocations

have recourse to – To use or turn to something as a source of help.

without recourse – Without the option to seek compensation or help from a particular party.

legal recourse – The right to seek help or compensation through the legal system.

🔄 Synonyms

resort (n.) – A person or thing turned to for aid or as a final option.

expedient (n.) – A means of achieving an end, especially one convenient but possibly improper.

alternative (n.) – One of two or more available possibilities.

🚫 Antonyms

first choice (n. phrase) – The preferred or primary option.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'recursus', entering English via Old French 'recours'. Historically common in legal and financial contexts to denote a fallback option. In modern English, it's a key term in contracts, insurance policies, and official documents outlining procedures when primary solutions fail.