do-or-die

adjective

1
: doggedly determined to reach one's objective : indomitable
2
: presenting as the only alternatives complete success or complete ruin
a do-or-die situation

Examples of do-or-die in a Sentence

a do-or-die entrepreneur who never stopped believing that hard work would inevitably lead to success
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How to Bet on Pacers vs. Knicks Game 6 The Knicks are facing a do-or-die situation for the second straight game. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 May 2025 The question now is what adjustments will Thibodeau make to force a do-or-die Game 7. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 30 May 2025 The Timberwolves went into a do-or-die game and were flatlining before the first quarter was halfway over. Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 29 May 2025 In tonight's do-or-die matchup for the Knicks, who host the Pacers at 8 p.m. ET, there's a lot to consider for bettors taking aim at the Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 player props. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for do-or-die

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of do-or-die was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Do-or-die.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/do-or-die. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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