onlyalternative
nounUK /ˈəʊnli ɔːlˈtɜːnətɪv/
US /ˈoʊnli ɔːlˈtɜːrnətɪv/
The only other choice you have when the first one is not possible.
With the bridge closed, the ferry was the only alternative for getting across the river.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The one remaining possibility after all others have been ruled out.
After the storm cancelled every flight, driving was the only alternative.
3. A single backup plan that must work because nothing else is available.
The generator was the only alternative when the power went out.
4. The lone different path or method left to try.
Since the recipe failed twice, baking it longer was the only alternative.