recourse

noun

re·​course ˈrē-ˌkȯrs 

ri-ˈkȯrs

1

a

: a turning to someone or something for help or protection

settled the matter without recourse to law

b

: a source of help or strength : resort

had no recourse left

2

: the right to demand payment from the maker or endorser of a negotiable instrument (such as a check)

Synonyms

• expedient
• resort
• resource

Examples of recourse in a Sentence

The dispute was settled without recourse to law.

a toddler quickly learns that a tantrum is a surefire recourse when a polite request for something is met with parental indifference

Recent Examples on the Web

Washington — Voters in Puerto Rico who are angered by an offensive remark about the island at former President Donald Trump's campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday have little recourse because residents of the territory cannot vote in the presidential election. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024

Legal experts said the federal government lost significant legal recourse in 2013, when the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. —David Nakamura The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024

Ensuring brands understand the regulatory landscape is essential for marketing success—not only to avoid being suppressed by the ad platform, but also to not face legal recourse. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

The only recourse offered was having someone open the walls to assess the damage, during which time we were expected to remain in the apartment and enjoy the escalating consequences. —Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recours, from Anglo-French recurs, from Late Latin recursus, from Latin, act of running back, from recurrere to run back — more at recur

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

recourse

noun

re·​course ˈrē-ˌkō(ə)rs 

-ˌkȯ(ə)rs;

ri-ˈkō(ə)rs,

-ˈkȯ(ə)rs

1

: a turning for assistance or protection

have recourse to the law

2

: a source of help or strength : resort

Legal Definition

recourse

noun

re·​course ˈrē-ˌkōrs, ri-ˈkōrs 

1

a

: the act of turning to someone or something for assistance especially in obtaining redress

b

: a means to a desired end especially in the nature of a remedy or justice

also : the end itself

2

: the right or ability to demand payment or compensation

specifically : the right to demand payment from the endorser or drawer of a negotiable instrument see also recourse note at note compare non-recourse

Note: Under Article 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the phrase without recourse on a negotiable instrument limits the liability of the endorser or drawer. If an endorsement states that it is made without recourse, the endorser is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the instrument is dishonored. Similarly, if a draft states that it is drawn without recourse, the drawer is not liable to pay, subject to various conditions, if the draft is dishonored, provided that it is not a check.