last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

1
: fought or conducted from the last ditch : waged with desperation or unyielding defiance
put up a last-ditch resistance
2
: made as a final effort especially to avert disaster
a last-ditch attempt to raise the money

last ditch

2 of 2

noun

: a place of final defense or resort

Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Vocational schools were regarded as an afterthought, a last-ditch option, offering vastly less prestige than traditional universities, particularly vaunted Ivy League institutions. Stephen Tave, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025 But, near the end of the match with a 1-0 scoreline, there was a last-ditch effort by Bay. Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
The site was created by Danny Lakey, who helped organize the incorporation effort as a last ditch effort to fight noise pollution from MARA and pollution from nearby power plants. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2025 On Monday, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied NCPG’s request for an emergency stay, a last ditch effort to keep the number from reverting to the local council. Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last-ditch

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of last-ditch was in 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Last-ditch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-ditch. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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