must-win

[muhst-win]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of must-win¹

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

Example Sentences

Nigeria host Benin on Tuesday in a must-win game as they attempt to clinch qualification for next year's World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

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Realistically, the Dodgers face a must-win Game 4 at Dodger Stadium Thursday, as a loss would return the series to Philadelphia Saturday for a deciding Game 5.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But realistically, the Dodgers now face a must-win Game 4 at Dodger Stadium Thursday, as a loss would return the series to Philadelphia Saturday for a deciding Game 5 at baseball’s toughest place to play.

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There is nothing routine about the Ryder Cup, which turns sometimes dull gulf into an emotion-packed, must-win saga for U.S. and European players.

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These problems include their batting weakness against spin, a drastic need to improve their fielding and how they cope with pressure situations or must-win moments.

Read more on BBC