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

“He’s definitely the guy I’m taking in a must-win game.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026

Chasing 187, they were bowled out for 111 - a result which left them in near must-win territory as they headed to Chennai.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

A season of frustratingly unfortunate events for USC had led here, to this nightmarish crescendo at the one-minute mark Saturday, in a must-win matchup.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

A strong performance off the bench in the first Test defeat earned Itoje a starting place alongside Alun Wyn Jones for the must-win second Test in Wellington.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Then Smith was left out for the must-win game against Sri Lanka on Monday which saw an Australia middle-order collapse as they lost by eight wickets.

From Barron's • Feb. 17, 2026