: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

Examples of make-or-break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And on a machine that costs tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars, even a 10-percent duty could be make-or-break for a small operation. Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 20 June 2025 So, what builds this seemingly intangible yet make-or-break element of team culture? Lynda Silsbee, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 With six division games, this week could be make-or-break for a team 8.0 games under .500 (31-39). Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 16 June 2025 Marlins pitcher Calvin Faucher stepped onto the mound for the make-or-break pitch and faced off against Nationals outfielder James Wood. Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for make-or-break

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make-or-break was in 1919

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Cite this Entry

“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-or-break. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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