do-or-die
adjective
ˈdü-ər-ˈdī 
-ȯr-
1
: doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable
2
: presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin
a do-or-die situation
Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence
a do-or-die entrepreneur who never stopped believing that hard work would inevitably lead to success
Recent Examples on the Web
The Bears are gearing up to take on the Packers on Saturday in a do-or-die Wild Card matchup at Soldier Field.
—
Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Boise State reached this point after winning two do-or-die games, first at home against Colorado State, and then on the road at Utah State, where Danielson’s team had to rally for a 25-24 win behind backup QB Max Cutforth.
—Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Calm down, Singleton remembered telling Denver’s defense, before the Commanders’ do-or-die two-point conversion attempt Sunday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
Both fans and players are ready for the do-or-die game against Singapore Tuesday.
—Fred He, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for do-or-die
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Marissa Perlman, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Boise State reached this point after winning two do-or-die games, first at home against Colorado State, and then on the road at Utah State, where Danielson’s team had to rally for a 25-24 win behind backup QB Max Cutforth.
—Idaho Statesman, 6 Dec. 2025
Calm down, Singleton remembered telling Denver’s defense, before the Commanders’ do-or-die two-point conversion attempt Sunday night.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 1 Dec. 2025
Both fans and players are ready for the do-or-die game against Singapore Tuesday.
—Fred He, CNN Money, 18 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for do-or-die
Cite this Entry
“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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