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

James’ last-ditch chance to flip the game one final time with a potential winning three clanked off the rim, and the Lakers lost for the seventh time in nine games. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 7 Dec. 2024

Russian forces destroyed an important bridge to Homs with at least eight strikes overnight in a last-ditch attempt to slow the rebels, a Syrian officer told Reuters. —Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 7 Dec. 2024

Noun

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

Last summer, as Bayern made a last ditch attempt to sign Palhinha, the prospect of losing both Aleksandar Mitrovic and Palhinha in one summer was unpalatable. —Peter Rutzler, The Athletic, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above