ˈlas(t)-ˌdich 
-ˈdich
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
: a place of final defense or resort
Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
The 44-year-old ended his nearly five-year retirement to quarterback the Indianapolis Colts as part of their last-ditch effort to make the playoffs.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Dec. 2025
Forget the flimsy strips of aluminum around the edges of the pie as a last ditch effort.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for last-ditch
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Adjective
Guard Kaden Gumbs drove down the floor with seconds remaining, but his last-ditch layup rolled off the rim.
—Caleb Yum, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026
The 44-year-old ended his nearly five-year retirement to quarterback the Indianapolis Colts as part of their last-ditch effort to make the playoffs.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
So Ellison texted Zaslav in what now reads as a last ditch effort to get a deal over the line.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Dec. 2025
Forget the flimsy strips of aluminum around the edges of the pie as a last ditch effort.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for last-ditch
Cite this Entry
“Last-ditch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-ditch. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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