last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

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

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

Adjective

The concept of fertility preservation should not be a Hail Mary or a last-ditch effort. — Dr. Jaime Knopman, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Her family said the 29-year-old Zawadi bled heavily after birth and was sent to another hospital to have her uterus removed, a last-ditch measure. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

On a last ditch effort, Edgewater pass is intercepted but a flag is thrown for a passing interference penalty on TFA. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Past that, analysts emphasized last ditch efforts to get the Clarity Act approved. — Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above