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

Synonyms of do-or-die

• resolute
• determined
• intent
• decisive

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 Bombers took care of the BoSox in last year’s Wild Card when Cam Schlittler twirled eight scoreless innings and struck out 12 against his hometown team in a do-or-die Game 3, his postseason debut. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, elsewhere in Michigan and airing on ESPN 2, the actual game of the weekend with do-or-die CFP implications will be playing at the same time as the Wolverines and Hawkeyes, and as the Bulldogs and Sooners. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Sep. 2026

Facing a do-or-die quarter, the industrial conglomerate missed on sales due to issues ramping up production for its CO2 refrigeration business. — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

Welcome to the Daily Cup as hosts Tamerra Griffin and Hannah Vanbiber preview the USMNT’s do-or-die knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina with The Athletic’s Simon Hughes. — The Athletic, New York Times, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1