last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlas(t)-ˌdich 

-ˈdich

1

: fought or conducted from the last ditch : waged with desperation or unyielding defiance

put up a last-ditch resistance

2

: made as a final effort especially to avert disaster

a last-ditch attempt to raise the money

last ditch

2 of 2

noun

: a place of final defense or resort

Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The independent dispute resolution system, or IDR, created under the No Surprises Act, was an arbitration process intended to serve as a last-ditch safeguard when negotiations between insurers and providers failed. — Christian Swann, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Oct. 2026

While fans will be doing their level best to dodge and flip past political spots on Saturday, NBC’s primetime coverage of Ohio State-USC promises to be swarming with last-ditch political messaging. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Noun

Sierra, Rifkin said, pleaded guilty in a last ditch effort to save himself. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Getting over this final hurdle comes after months of delays, including the major antitrust lawsuit from a coalition of 12 states, and even a Hail Mary last ditch amicus brief from a grassroots coalition that sought to block the merger entirely. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above