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 Timberwolves went into a do-or-die game and were flatlining before the first quarter was halfway over. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 29 May 2025 In tonight's do-or-die matchup for the Knicks, who host the Pacers at 8 p.m. ET, there's a lot to consider for bettors taking aim at the Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 player props. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 Listen to this article A successful Colorado Eagles season ended Monday afternoon with a do-or-die Game 5 loss at Blue Arena to the Abbotsford Canucks in the Calder Cup quarterfinals. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 27 May 2025 Game 6 is do-or-die for Boston, which will be without Jayson Tatum. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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