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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Match 2 of quarterfinals: Frisco's Tammy Emmrich won both her ties to push the do-or-die match to a DreamBreaker, but Miami dominated 21-11 to win the quarter final. Todd Boss, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Miami is currently 2-5 on the season, and a loss on Sunday would drop them to 2-6, effectively placing them in a do-or-die situation with their playoff hopes. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 Two overly eager New York fans were ejected from the Yankees’ do-or-die win over the Dodgers on Wednesday after ripping a foul ball from the glove of Los Angeles’ outfielder Mookie Betts. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024 The game finished with the Dodgers bullpen that had been so brilliant in a Game 4 do-or-die win, this time four relievers holding the Padres hitless over the final four innings. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near do-or-die

Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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