last-ditch

UK: /ˌlɑːstˈdɪtʃ/ US: (last′ditch′, läst′-)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

last-ditch  (last′ditch′, läst′-), adj. 

1. done finally in desperation to avoid defeat, failure, disaster, etc.:
   a last-ditch attempt to avert war.
2. fought with every resource at one's command:
   a last-ditch battle for the pennant.

• last¹ + ditch 1905–10

last′-ditch′er, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

last-ditch noun

1. (modifier) made or done as a last desperate attempt or effort in the face of opposition