last-ditch

1 of 2

adjective

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

last ditch

2 of 2

noun

: a place of final defense or resort

Examples of last-ditch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Blumenthal made a last-ditch effort Wednesday night to pass KOSA in the Senate before the chamber breaks for the midterm elections. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

Last-ditch plan for prosecution Authorities next developed what Smallwood described as a last-ditch plan to prosecute Tanzer — a ruse that could catch him lying about the rape. — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026

Noun

Getting over this final hurdle comes after months of delays, including the major antitrust lawsuit from a coalition of 12 states, and even a Hail Mary last ditch amicus brief from a grassroots coalition that sought to block the merger entirely. — Brian Welk, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026

On a last ditch effort, Edgewater pass is intercepted but a flag is thrown for a passing interference penalty on TFA. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1706, in the meaning defined above