noun
last resort; final measure
The final option when all else has failed; often used in serious or desperate contexts.
最終手段として、会社を辞めることも考えている。
As a last resort, I'm also considering quitting the company.
交渉が決裂した場合、訴訟が最終手段となる。
If negotiations break down, litigation will be the final measure.
Almost synonymous, but 最終手段 sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes the finality of the option.
Compound of 最終 (final, last) and 手段 (means, measure).