: 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.
For many businesses and especially for start-ups, the user experience and interface of their digital products can be the make-or-break between attracting and retaining customers or pushing them to competitors. Rachel Wells, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 The setup leaves Black Friday as a make-or-break event that will help draw distinct lines between the season’s winners and losers. Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2024 Alex Kent | Getty Images News | Getty Images Zelenskyy’s comments come as tensions are likely to be running high in Kyiv, with the U.S. vote regarded as a potentially make-or-break moment in the country’s yearslong fight against Russia. Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2024 The company faces a potential make-or-break moment that will be decided by voters Tuesday. Matt Egan, CNN, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near make-or-break

Cite this Entry

“Make-or-break.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-or-break. Accessed 12 Dec. 2024.

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