: 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.
What's next: This year is make-or-break for MARTA's measure: The A-Line is scheduled to open this summer, according to the most recent report to City Hall. Thomas Wheatley, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 Players get 10 years on the Hall of Fame ballot, making Tuesday night’s Class of 2025 unveiling a make-or-break announcement for Wagner. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 20 Jan. 2025 This is a make-or-break moment for the $14 billion neo-prime, as it's promised the Pentagon and investors alike an overhaul of defense manufacturing. Colin Demarest, Axios, 16 Jan. 2025 More news to know now Pete Hegseth faces a make-or-break Senate hearing on Tuesday. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2025 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 4 Feb. 2025.

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