last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

1
: fought or conducted from the last ditch : waged with desperation or unyielding defiance
put up a last-ditch resistance
2
: made as a final effort especially to avert disaster
a last-ditch attempt to raise the money

last ditch

2 of 2

noun

: a place of final defense or resort

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
Sisniega’s initial block caromed back off of Guzman and bounced just out of reach of defender Manu Duah’s last-ditch effort to prevent the score. Kyle Kensing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 July 2025 This was a last-ditch effort to save the Domes from possible demolition. Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
Noun
The use of force was a last ditch effort to end a nuclear program built and backed by a government intent not only on terrorizing its own people but also on exporting mayhem abroad. Hadley Gamble, semafor.com, 24 June 2025 The lie here is senseless, not made as a last ditch effort to keep his relationship with Ellie intact. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 19 May 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

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Cite this Entry

“Last-ditch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-ditch. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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