Resorting

The act of turning to, or making use of, something (often a method, tactic, or resource) as a last or alternative measure, typically in a situation where other options have been exhausted or are deemed ineffective. It implies a conscious choice, often driven by necessity, and the decision to utilize something that may be less desirable, more risky, or unconventional than the preferred alternatives. The term also suggests a departure from a previous course of action or a preferred method of dealing with a situation. It focuses on the final solution to get the job done.

Resorting meaning with examples

• Faced with dwindling sales, the company was forced into resorting to drastic measures. They started deep discounting and aggressive marketing strategies to attract customers and save the company from being lost, even though those actions damaged brand reputation. The board approved a plan for an aggressive strategy that, despite the drawbacks, seemed like the best option. Their previous approach had yielded disastrous results, thus requiring a new plan.
• When negotiations failed to secure a peaceful resolution, the warring nations ultimately considered resorting to military action. Diplomacy had reached a stalemate, leaving leaders with difficult and agonizing choices. The potential for a costly and devastating conflict weighed heavily on them. With all other avenues blocked, the leaders prepared themselves for the potential fallout from a resort to violence; it became the least worse choice.
• Having exhausted his savings, the struggling artist found himself resorting to pawning his most valuable possessions in order to pay his bills. He knew it was a temporary solution, but desperately needed funds to finish his commissioned artwork. Though disheartening, the artist felt this was the only immediate path to survival to allow him the ability to get the art done. While not the best decision, the artist decided that it was the only option.
• After several attempts at peaceful communication had failed, the union felt obligated to go into resorting to striking and picketing. They were willing to disrupt production in order to demand better working conditions and fair wages. Management had dismissed previous requests for improvement, thus putting the union in the position that was not their ideal plan; the end was now justified, even though the action caused friction.