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.

“To stay true to that process, but to take it up to a next level. Because at this time of the year, it’s do or die, and you gotta compete really hard.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

"This is do or die," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said of sending in Glasnow after closer Roki Sasaki got into trouble.

From Barron's • Nov. 1, 2025

"They have to deliver this weekend and it's a bit of a do or die for both teams. Whoever loses is out of the tournament."

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2025

“Once it gets to the knockout stages, you kind of become a different team. It’s just do or die at that point.”

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2023

“I thought people from Brooklyn are extra woke or whatever. And besides, Professor Bello is from Brooklyn, or that’s what I read in her bio. Bed-Stuy do or die, or something like that.”

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi

do-or-die

Example Sentences

Related Words