back to the wall

ADJECTIVE

desperate

Synonyms

STRONGEST

despondent forlorn futile sad vain

STRONG

downcast goner

WEAK

at end of one's rope can't win dead duck despairing desponding gone hard up in the soup in the toilet inconsolable irrecoverable irremediable irretrievable no chance no-win running out of time sunk up against it up the creek useless wretched

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cheerful happy hopeful joyful

WEAK

calm confident content contented satisfactory satisfied secure unworried

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.

"I very much had my back to the wall," he said.

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

And then, lo and behold, a week later, he goes back to the wall and robs a Grand Slam.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2023

The 6-foot-7 Judge went back to the wall and jumped, a little to the right of the 408-foot sign in front of Monument Park.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2023

Now she had her back to the wall.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2023

I turn and walk back to the wall, climbing it easily this time.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

back to the wall

Example Sentences

Related Words