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
Centrists are making last-ditch efforts to block Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani’s path to becoming New York City mayor. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025 Days before Diddy was set to appear in court for his sentencing, Judge Subramanian rejected the rapper's last-ditch request for a new trial and demand for a full acquittal. Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 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 7 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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