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recourse

Noun

IPA /rɪˈkɔːs/

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Meaning in plain English

A source of help or action you can turn to when you face a difficult problem and need a way forward.

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Pronunciation

recourse/rɪˈkɔːs/

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A problem cannot be resolved locally
You look for a source of help
An outside person can assist

Recourse is a means of help or action you can turn to in difficulty.

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Examples in context

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When the shop ignored my complaint, my only recourse was its head office.
The team solved the problem without recourse to outside consultants.

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When the shop ignored my complaint, my only ________ was its head office.

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recourse — A source of help or action you can turn to when you face a difficult problem and need a way forward.

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A source of help or action you can turn to when you face a difficult problem and need a way forward.

Compare: When the shop ignored my complaint, my only recourse was its head office.

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Word origin

From Old French recours, ultimately Latin recursus, meaning a running back.

Did you know?

Without recourse to means without needing to use a particular source of help or method.

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