WordGarden.ioresort
B1Pronunciation
UK
US
- /riˈsɔrt/
Meanings
Noun
a place where people go on vacation, often with lodging and leisure activities
a source of help or course of action used when needed, especially as a last option
Verb
to turn to or make use of something, especially when necessary
Beyond the definition
When life gets messy, people often resort to whatever seems likely to work. Maybe they stay calm and ask for help, or maybe they panic and make a bad choice. To resort to something means to turn to it as a last option, usually when other ways have failed. You might resort to calling a plumber when your sink is overflowing and your own tools do not help, or a politician might resort to personal attacks when stronger arguments are not working. It often suggests that the choice is not ideal, but it feels necessary. The word can also be a noun: a resort is a place where people go to relax, such as a beach resort or a ski resort.
To resort to something means to turn to a particular course of action, especially when other options have failed or are unavailable. It often carries the implication that the chosen method is undesirable, drastic, or even desperate, but necessary given the circumstances.
You might hear it used in situations involving conflict: "Faced with escalating violence, the government resorted to military intervention." Or in personal struggles: "When she couldn't afford groceries, she had to resort to asking her parents for help." It suggests a fallback position—something you wouldn't prefer to do, but will do if pushed.
Interestingly, "resort" also has a completely different meaning: it can refer to a place people go to relax and enjoy themselves, like a beach resort or a ski resort. This second meaning stems from the historical idea of "turning to" a specific place for comfort and recreation.
However, when used as a verb (to resort), it's almost always about taking action in difficult circumstances. It's not simply choosing something; it's choosing something because you feel you have no other good choices left. So whether it's a last-ditch effort or a luxurious getaway, the word "resort" is all about turning to something for help, comfort, or a solution—even if it isn't your first choice.
Examples
- 1
Beach holiday
We spent a week at a beach resort on the coast.
- 2
Ski travel
The ski resort opens in late November if there is enough snow.
- 3
Emergency option
As a last resort, call the emergency number on the back of your card.
- Phraseas a last resort
only if nothing else works
- 4
Business cuts
The company may resort to layoffs if sales keep falling.
- Patternresort to + action
use it because other options have failed, often when it is unpleasant
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Avoiding methods
He fixed the shelf without resorting to glue.
- Patternwithout resorting to + method
without using that method
- 6
Arguments
Even in an argument, she never resorts to personal insults.
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- resortnounverb
Forms
- resortspluralnounverb
- resortedpast tenseverbnoun
- resorting-ing formverbnoun