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

All afternoon on Strasma North Drive, the constant sounds of chainsaws were heard in a last-ditch effort to get any hanging branches off trees. —Marissa Sulek, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

That’s especially the case considering Trevor Mullin’s last-ditch heave to win the game hit off the back rim on the other side of the court to confirm overtime was needed for these two rivals. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 15 Mar. 2026

Noun

When her professor, predictably, leaves her high and dry, Margo drops out of college and makes an OnlyFans account as a last ditch effort to get some quick cash. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 12 Mar. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above