Definitions

do-or-die

[doo-er-dahy] / ˈdu ərˈdaɪ /

Part of Speech:

All (3) Adjective (2) Noun (1)

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last-ditch adj.
unbending adj.
competition n.

ADJECTIVE

last-ditch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

frantic last-gasp

WEAK

desperate eleventh-hour final last-chance last-minute last-resort

ADJECTIVE

unbending

Synonyms

STRONG

crisp firm obstinate reserved

WEAK

aloof distant dug in formal hard as nails hard-line hold one's ground hold the fort hold the line incompliant inelastic inexorable inflexible intractable locked-in obdurate relentless resolute set in stone severe single-minded standing one's ground standing pat sticking to one's guns stiff strict stubborn uncompromising unflexible unrelenting unswayable unyielding uptight

Antonyms

STRONG

flexible soft yielding

WEAK

bending pliable pliant relaxed

NOUN

competition

Synonyms

STRONGEST

championship clash event fight game match meeting race rivalry sport struggle tournament trial

STRONG

antagonism bout candidacy contention controversy counteraction emulation encounter engagement jungle matchup opposition puzzle quiz racing run strife striving tilt tug-of-war warfare

WEAK

athletic event concours dog-eat-dog go for it go for the gold horse race one-on-one one-upping pairing off rat race

Antonyms

STRONGEST

peace

STRONG

accord agreement harmony surrender sympathy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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do-or-die

Balogun, 25, was due to sit out the do-or-die contest in Seattle after receiving a controversial red card for accidentally stepping on an opponent’s ankle during the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026

It’s not a do-or-die game for either team since three points could be enough to advance.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 23, 2026

The full gamut of emotions synonymous with do-or-die international football was on display as the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream was left in ruins following a devastating penalty shootout defeat by the Czech Republic.

From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2026

"It was a do-or-die decision," says Arun Srinivas.

From BBC ● Mar. 26, 2026

And it occurs to me that even in these do-or-die moments, there’s still space for us to laugh.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

do-or-die

Example Sentences

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