last-ditch

[last-dich, lahst-]

adjective

1. done finally in desperation to avoid defeat, failure, disaster, etc..

   a last-ditch attempt to avert war.

2. fought with every resource at one's command.

   a last-ditch battle for the pennant.

last-ditch

noun

1. (modifier) made or done as a last desperate attempt or effort in the face of opposition

Other Word Forms

• last-ditcher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of last-ditch¹

First recorded in 1905–10; last ¹ + ditch

Example Sentences

I’m making a last-ditch effort to make it work with a financial planner and marriage counselor.

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Hours later he said he had accepted Macron's request to stay on for another 48 hours to hold last-ditch talks with political parties "for the stability of the country".

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Macron has asked him to make a last-ditch plan for stability by the end of Wednesday - but support for the French president appears to be waning even among his allies.

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Both sides are making last-ditch efforts trying to avoid a repeat.

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The investment contributed to a last-ditch fundraising round by Aspiration at a time it was nearly out of cash.

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Related Words

• do-or-die 
• frantic 
• last-gasp