must-win

American  

[muhst-win] / ˈmʌstˈwɪn /

noun

1. a contest, project, scheme, etc., of which a successful or victorious outcome is essential because anything less would negate all preceding efforts.

   This game is a must-win for the Tigers, who will be out of the pennant race if they lose.

   Her grades were good enough for any college, but she knew the entrance essay was her must-win.

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adjective

1. (of a contest, project, scheme, etc.) requiring a successful or victorious outcome because anything less would negate all preceding efforts.

   We’re now in a must-win situation—we either come in with the most attractive bid or we lose the building contract.

Etymology

Origin of must-win

First recorded in 1985–90; noun use of phrase must win

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

must-win

If Sunday’s game isn’t a must-win for the Chargers, it’s certainly a high-stakes contest on the heels of an opening flop against the Arizona Cardinals.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

Mired in a slump and struggling to stay out of the bottom of the standings, the Galaxy treated Saturday as a must-win in a 2-1 victory over New England.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

Messi was absent for Miami's 2-1 loss to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday but made himself available to coach Guillermo Hoyos for the must-win game against Mexican side Leon.

From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2026

Trying to solve Belgium was more difficult than solving Paraguay and the high-pressure, must-win situation of an elimination game against the No. 8 team in the world — and it clearly unsettled the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2026

But it was a must-win game and we won.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026