do-or-die

adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Game 6 is do-or-die for Boston, which will be without Jayson Tatum. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025 No Tatum for a do-or-die Game 5 in Boston significantly decreases Boston’s chances of advancing. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 13 May 2025 The Wolves don’t expect that to wane with the Warriors in a do-or-die scenario Wednesday. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 13 May 2025 The encounter – with the Bucks needing a victory to keep their season alive – was played with the ferocity of a do-or-die game, with nothing to separate the two after 48 minutes. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for do-or-die

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-or-die was in 1873

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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