failing that
As backup plan
An expression introducing an alternative if the first option doesn't work out: Try the hardware store, or failing that, order it online.
It signals a backup plan or second-best option when the preferred course proves unavailable or unsuccessful.
- or elseImplied negative consequence
- otherwiseIn another manner
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
- fall back onUse as reserve option
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
in lieu of · plan · instead · switch · last resort · in a pinch · alternative · second choice · next best thing · contingency plan · besides · pivot · rather · substitute · workaround · stopgap · afterward · turn
- conditionalsif, then, if clause, if clauses, else
failing thatfirst and foremost
Most important, before others
ideally · preferably · first choice · optimally · above all
failing thatregardless
Despite the circumstances
in any case · no matter what · unconditionally · either way · come what may
fail, failing, fails, failed, failure, failures, failings, fallible, fallibility