make-or-break

adjective

ˈmāk-ər-ˈbrāk 

: allowing no middle ground between success and failure

Examples of make-or-break in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a June note ahead of the results, Leerink Partners analyst Mani Foroohar said the phase three results are a make-or-break event for Moderna’s stock. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

But what comes after a peak is a make-or-break turn, one that’s broken many great artists before her. — Sidney Madden, VIBE.com, 19 Aug. 2026

This isn’t meant to be the make-or-break moment, just a way to narrow down your choices, according to the experts, since the real test happens in the bedroom. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026

Jonathan Mingo — Still searching for his first NFL touchdown after just one reception last season, making this a make-or-break camp for the former second-round pick. — Nick Harris. Story Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for make-or-break

• radiopaque
• ache
• ake
• bake
• brake
• break
• cake
• craik
• crake
• fake
• flake
• hake