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Definitions

do-or-die

[doo-er-dahy] / ˈdu ərˈdaɪ /
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.

The Azzurri, who lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a do-or-die playoff on Tuesday, last qualified in 2014.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 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

However, it isn’t a do-or-die proposition for IBM, Woodring points out.

From Barron's • Dec. 10, 2025

Most famous was his missed, do-or-die 6-footer in the 1991 Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2025

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