last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlas(t)-ˌdich

-ˈdich

Synonyms of last-ditch

: fought or conducted from the last ditch : waged with desperation or unyielding defiance

put up a last-ditch resistance

: made as a final effort especially to avert disaster

a last-ditch attempt to raise the money

last ditch

2 of 2

Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence

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.

Adjective

This move is really a bit of a last-ditch effort for Rodriguez. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Their mission is a last-ditch attempt to contain a catastrophic oil spill. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 24 June 2026

Noun

But his last ditch attempt to flee to safety would fail. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026 Forget the flimsy strips of aluminum around the edges of the pie as a last ditch effort. — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last-ditch

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of last-ditch was in 1706

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

last day

last-ditch

last ditch

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Last-ditch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-ditch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

last-ditch

adjective

noun

Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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