recourse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “recourse” mean?
The action of turning to a person, method, or course of action for help, protection, or in order to achieve something, especially as a last resort.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of turning to a person, method, or course of action for help, protection, or in order to achieve something, especially as a last resort.
The legal right to demand payment or compensation from a person or entity, particularly in financial or contractual contexts (e.g., a loan with recourse).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The term is equally formal and used in similar legal, financial, and academic contexts.
Connotations
Carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation of being a last, often less desirable, option. The financial/legal sense is standard in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English within legal and business writing, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “recourse” in a Sentence
have recourse to [NP]without recourse to [NP]seek recourse [through/against/in] [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recourse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – 'recourse' is not a verb.
American English
- N/A – 'recourse' is not a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – 'recourse' is not typically used as an adjective. The related adjective is 'recourseful' (archaic).
American English
- N/A – 'recourse' is not typically used as an adjective. The related adjective is 'recourseful' (archaic).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to contractual guarantees or financial recovery, e.g., 'a recourse loan'.
Academic
Used in law, political science, and sociology to discuss strategies for conflict resolution or seeking justice.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used in formal discussions of problems, e.g., 'Our only recourse is to complain to management.'
Technical
A specific term in finance for a lender's right to claim a borrower's assets beyond the collateral.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recourse”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recourse”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recourse”
- Using 'resource' instead of 'recourse'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to recourse' – incorrect).
- Omitting the required preposition 'to' (e.g., 'have recourse the law' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'recourse' is solely a noun. The verb form is 'resort to'.
A 'resource' is a supply of something available for use (e.g., natural resources, human resources). 'Recourse' is the act of turning to such a resource or person for help, especially in a difficult situation.
It is generally neutral, describing a necessary action. It can have a slightly negative connotation as it often implies the preferred options are exhausted.
A loan where the lender has the right to claim the borrower's other assets (beyond the agreed collateral) if the borrower defaults. The opposite is a 'non-recourse loan'.
The action of turning to a person, method, or course of action for help, protection, or in order to achieve something, especially as a last resort.
Recourse is usually formal in register.
Recourse: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈkɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈriːkɔːrs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “as a last recourse”
- “have no recourse but to...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: When your course of action fails, you RE-turn to a different COURSE – you have reCOURSE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEM-SOLVING IS A JOURNEY (turning onto a different path), JUSTICE IS A RESOURCE (to be accessed).
Practice
Quiz
In a financial context, what does 'without recourse' typically mean?