do-or-die

adjective

1
: doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable
2
: presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin
a do-or-die situation

Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence

a do-or-die entrepreneur who never stopped believing that hard work would inevitably lead to success
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.
The encounter – with the Bucks needing a victory to keep their season alive – was played with the ferocity of a do-or-die game, with nothing to separate the two after 48 minutes. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025 Now the pressure shifts back to Detroit, where the Knicks must win Game 6 to avoid facing a do-or-die Game 7 at The Garden. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2025 Elimination games come down to who’s hungrier, who survives in a do-or-die moment. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025 Thereafter, the New Hampshire primary was extremely important to Bush — do-or-die. Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for do-or-die

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-or-die was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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