English Reference
noun · verb

resort

n. · v.
US /ɹiˈsɔɹt/ re·sort UK spelling resorted, resorting, resorts

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a place where many people go for a holiday to relax and have fun.

    n.a place frequented for holidays or recreation, typically featuring integrated lodging, dining, and entertainment facilities.

    Simple

    We stayed at a beautiful ski resort in the mountains last winter.

    In context

    The coastal resort has seen a significant increase in international visitors since the completion of the new regional airport.

    holiday spotretreatspa
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the person or thing you turn to when you have no other choices left.

    n.the use of something as a final available option or source of help in a difficult situation.

    Simple

    Surgery is usually a last resort after other treatments have failed.

    In context

    The central bank viewed the emergency loan as a last resort to prevent a total collapse of the national currency.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'as a last resort'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to do something because you are in a difficult situation and have no other choice.

    v.to adopt a course of action, often an undesirable one, because no other options remain viable.

    Simple

    The students had to resort to using old textbooks when the internet went down.

    In context

    The protesters eventually resorted to civil disobedience after their formal petitions were repeatedly ignored by the local council.

    Usage

    Intransitive verb that almost always takes the preposition 'to'.

    turn tofall back on

After graduating, Reutt moved south to Sochi, the Black Sea resort that became her home.

The Guardian· 23 Aug 2026

A: Most taxistas will speak basic English, particularly in major cities and tourist resorts so you shouldn’t have a problem communicating.

The Local· 12 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From Middle English resorten, from Old French resortir (“to fall back, return, resort, have recourse, appeal”), back-formation from sortir (“to go out”).

Etymology 2

From re- + sort.

Etymology 3

From French ressort.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French resortir
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated