fallback option
nounUK /ˈfɔːlbæk ˈɒpʃən/
US /ˈfɔːlbæk ˈɑːpʃən/
A fallback option is a second choice you can use if your first choice does not work.
If the restaurant is full, pizza at home is our fallback option.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In computing, a setting or method used automatically when the preferred one is unavailable.
The app uses a fallback option to load a simpler version of the page.
3. A person or thing kept ready to replace another if needed.
The coach kept a fallback option on the bench in case of injury.
4. A less ideal but acceptable course of action chosen when better ones fail.
Walking was our fallback option when the bus was cancelled.