Is It Last Resort or Last Resource?

By Robert Palmer

Last Resort or Last Resource – Which is Correct?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you had to use your last resort or your last resource? If you have, then you might have wondered which one is the correct term to use.

Is it “last resort” or “last resource”? Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

Let’s start with the basics. A “last resort” refers to a final course of action when all other options have failed.

For example, if someone is critically ill and all other treatments have failed, surgery may be their last resort. On the other hand, “last resource” refers to the final available option or asset that can be used to achieve a particular goal. For example, money may be the last resource that a company has to invest in a new project.

Now that we have defined both terms let’s dive deeper into their usage and when they are appropriate.

Usage of “Last Resort”

The term “last resort” is commonly used in situations where there are no other options left. It can be used in various contexts such as medical treatment, legal proceedings, and personal relationships. Here are some examples:

– Surgery was his last resort since medication had failed.
– Negotiation was their last resort after all attempts at mediation had failed.
– Divorce was her last resort after trying counseling and therapy.

In each of these examples, there were no other options available before taking the final course of action.

Usage of “Last Resource”

The term “last resource” is commonly used in situations where something has been exhausted or depleted. It can be used in various contexts such as business management, financial planning and project management. Here are some examples:

– Money was their last resource for investing in new equipment.
– Time was our last resource before the deadline.
– Creativity became our last resource when we ran out of ideas for the project.

In each of these examples, the final available option or asset was used to achieve a particular goal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both “last resort” and “last resource” are correct terms to use but in different contexts. “Last resort” is used when there are no other options left while “last resource” is used when something has been exhausted or depleted. It’s important to use the correct term in the right context to avoid confusion and misunderstanding.

So, which one will you use next time you find yourself in a tight spot? Remember, it’s all about context!