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
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
Both teams have shown a lot on film in do-or-die games and probably won’t stray too far from their identities.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 9 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
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
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Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 19 Jan. 2026
Both teams have shown a lot on film in do-or-die games and probably won’t stray too far from their identities.
—Matt Baker, New York Times, 9 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
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
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 31 Jan. 2026.
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