last-ditch

American  

[last-dich, lahst-] / ˈlæstˈdɪtʃ, ˈlɑst- /

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.

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last-ditch British  

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• last-ditcher noun

Etymology

Origin of last-ditch

First recorded in 1905–10; last ¹ + ditch

Example Sentences

Farmers in several countries in Europe held last-ditch protests against the deal, with marches and demonstrations using tractors in France and Belgium.

From BBC

Her knees threatened to buckle as she reached the stairs and made a last-ditch attempt to stay upright.

From Literature

"We have worked intensively in an effort to save both businesses, having made last-ditch attempts to rescue them, but neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again."

From BBC

Jesus squandered another chance moments later with a hesitant touch that allowed Joachim Andersen to snuff out the danger with a last-ditch tackle.

From Barron's

Craig’s last-ditch purchases to stock up on European wine meant he didn’t have cash on hand to place his usual year-end orders for Champagne or other sparkling wines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• do-or-die
• frantic
• last-gasp