A last-ditch action is done only because there are no other ways left to achieve something or to prevent something happening. It is often done without much hope that it will succeed.
...a last-ditch attempt to prevent civil war.
...a desperate, last-ditch counterattack.
Synonyms: final, frantic, desperate, struggling More Synonyms of last ditch
last ditch in British English
a last resort or place of last defence
See full dictionary entry for ditch
last-ditch in British English
noun
(modifier)
made or done as a last desperate attempt or effort in the face of opposition
last-ditch in American English
(ˈlæstˈdɪtʃ)
adjective
made, done, used, etc. in a final, often desperate act of resistance or opposition
Examples of 'last ditch' in a sentence
last ditch
As a last ditch resort rigs can cast anchor and detach from the well.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
They were expected to renew the duel last night at a meeting called in a last-ditch effort to resurrect the ceasefire.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A last-ditch rebel attempt to end the siege last month ended in failure.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He is thought to be considering a last-ditch diplomatic effort to curb construction before January.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This is just a last-ditch attempt to stop us leaving the EU.
The Sun (2016)
Specialist rescue units were called in a last-ditch effort to save him.
The Sun (2012)
It was very much a last-ditch effort for me.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This change of course is a last-ditch bid to wrest that influence back.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Obviously a last-ditch attempt to prove his loyalty to the club.
The Sun (2012)
It remains to be seen if last-ditch attempts to sway the vote gain any support.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
My husband invited me to a marriage ministry at our church as a last-ditch effort to reconcile our relationship.
Christianity Today (2000)
The company has phoned round small shareholders over the past few weeks in a last-ditch attempt to drum up sufficient support.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The last-ditch effort to bridge the gap between richer and poorer nations failed amid recriminations on both sides of the wealth divide.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Made some crucial last-ditch tackles.
The Sun (2014)
His appointment was a last-ditch effort to rescue the failing school, which was facing closure.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Gunners made a last-ditch bid to keep the France ace.
The Sun (2006)
The auction is a last-ditch attempt to salvage the heavily loss-making steelworks.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's perfect for a last-ditch attempt at seduction.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
His switch should be confirmed this morning - despite a last-ditch effort by the champs to keep him last night.
The Sun (2016)
International leaders will meet at the annual Munich security conference tomorrow in what appears to be a last-ditch effort to resurrect the process.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
In other languages
last-ditch
British English: last-ditch ADJECTIVE
A last-ditch action is done only because there are no other ways left to achieve something.