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
: a place of final defense or resort
Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zoe G. Phillips, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Lincoln’s assassination was, in this light, a last-ditch terrorist assault on the national government—one that very nearly succeeded.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 20 Dec. 2024
As a last ditch effort, Sunnova in early March borrowed $185 million from KKR at a 15% interest rate, secured by most of the company’s remaining valuable assets, including years of future residual cash flows from those ABS issues.
—Christopher Helman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for last-ditch
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
In a last-ditch attempt to spark ticket sales, Jack agrees to trade his company’s biggest stars with France’s (also fictional) Le Ballet National, helmed by Charlotte Gainsbourg’s Genevieve Lavigne.
—Zoe G. Phillips, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
Lincoln’s assassination was, in this light, a last-ditch terrorist assault on the national government—one that very nearly succeeded.
—Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 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
As a last ditch effort, Sunnova in early March borrowed $185 million from KKR at a 15% interest rate, secured by most of the company’s remaining valuable assets, including years of future residual cash flows from those ABS issues.
—Christopher Helman, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for last-ditch
Cite this Entry
“Last-ditch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-ditch. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share