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
And in the lead up to the do-or-die portion of the season, New York looks as poised to do so as ever because of what’s manifested on the defensive end.
—
James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Once there Early got the start in Boston’s do-or-die Game 3 against the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series, and while the Red Sox lost the game, Early pitched well and was ultimately undone by poor infield defense and bad luck.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
Creekview’s comeback victory over South Effingham in the Class 5A final — requiring five straight do-or-die victories by pin — was best in show, surely one of the greatest rallies in state wrestling finals history.
—Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 19 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for do-or-die
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James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Once there Early got the start in Boston’s do-or-die Game 3 against the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card Series, and while the Red Sox lost the game, Early pitched well and was ultimately undone by poor infield defense and bad luck.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
Creekview’s comeback victory over South Effingham in the Class 5A final — requiring five straight do-or-die victories by pin — was best in show, surely one of the greatest rallies in state wrestling finals history.
—Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 19 Jan. 2026
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
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 Mar. 2026.
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