must-win

[ muhst-win ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a contest, project, scheme, etc., of which a successful or victorious outcome is essential because anything less would negate all preceding efforts:
This game is a must-win for the Tigers, who will be out of the pennant race if they lose.
Her grades were good enough for any college, but she knew the entrance essay was her must-win.

adjective

(of a contest, project, scheme, etc.) requiring a successful or victorious outcome because anything less would negate all preceding efforts:
We’re now in a must-win situation—we either come in with the most attractive bid or we lose the building contract.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of must-win¹

First recorded in 1985–90; noun use of phrase must win

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Hart 6, West Ranch 5: Facing a must-win situation to stay in the Foothill League title race, the Hawks came through.

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So Tuesday night, facing the first unofficial “must-win” of the playoffs, the Lakers played in unison early, even if Doncic was the only one really hitting shots.

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In the Clippers’ two must-win games to close the regular season, Leonard was a force.

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You just kind of lock in, treat it as a playoff game, a must-win, and I’m sure other teams are like that too.”

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This is a must-win game for Ipswich and we're at the stage of the season where form goes out of the window a little.

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must-see musty

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