# recourse

/ˈɹikɔɹs/ (US) · /ɹɪkˈɔːs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/recourse
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a way to get help or solve a problem when you are in a difficult situation. It is often the last thing you can do to fix a trouble.

For teachers: the act of turning to someone or something for assistance or protection in a difficult situation. Often used in legal or formal contexts to describe a final option for resolution.

## Examples

- Your only recourse is to file a formal complaint.
- If the company refuses to issue a refund, the customer has legal recourse through the small claims court.
- The treaty was designed to ensure that smaller nations had diplomatic recourse before any military action was considered by the regional powers.

## Usage notes

- Commonly follows the preposition 'without' or is used in the phrase 'have recourse to'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.