last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

ˈlas(t)-ˌdich 

-ˈdich

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

Adjective

After a last-ditch bid in late January 2022 to warn Moscow against proceeding with the war, the Biden administration was able to rally NATO allies and like-minded partners to support Kyiv. —Matthew Lee, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025

Now, TikTok’s leaders are banking on Donald Trump to save them in a last-ditch effort that will unquestionably come with strings attached. —Alex Heath, The Verge, 18 Jan. 2025

Noun

Bankers see a 'last ditch effort' by CFPB Bankers defended the safety of the Zelle app, and said the CFPB was overreaching in its actions. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 20 Dec. 2024

What to watch: Sullivan is traveling to Israel, Egypt and Qatar this week in a last ditch effort to reach a deal before Trump's inauguration in less than six weeks. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above