make-or-break

adjective

ˈmāk-ər-ˈbrāk 

: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

Examples of make-or-break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Breslow knows his job is on the line this year, and this deadline might be a make-or-break scenario. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 28 July 2026

In the realm of AI for mental health, harness engineering is especially vital and can make-or-break how well or badly an AI system responds to mental health considerations. — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Not that the location is a make-or-break factor for the business. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026

Her comments come as Senate negotiators enter make-or-break talks to salvage bipartisan support for the legislation. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for make-or-break

• radiopaque
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake
• fake
• flake
• hake