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
Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pick his new prime minister by Friday evening, after outgoing PM Sebastien Lecornu led last-ditch talks for two days with political parties to try and unlock the current political deadlock.
—Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
In a last ditch effort, the determined rescuers brought in an excavator and devised a plan that would save the animal’s life.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for last-ditch
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Adjective
Even winger Leah Galton, who recently returned from injury, contributed a stellar last-ditch challenge to see her side hang onto all three points.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
President Emmanuel Macron is expected to pick his new prime minister by Friday evening, after outgoing PM Sebastien Lecornu led last-ditch talks for two days with political parties to try and unlock the current political deadlock.
—Charlotte Reed, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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
In a last ditch effort, the determined rescuers brought in an excavator and devised a plan that would save the animal’s life.
—Ronnie Li, USA Today, 30 July 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 19 Oct. 2025.
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