must-win

[ muhst-win ]

noun

1. 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

1. (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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of must-win¹

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

Example Sentences

Coming off a long week of prep after a Thursday game and with their off week upcoming, they can go all in on a must-win game to keep their playoff hopes alive.

From Los Angeles Times

From Leipzig’s perspective, however, this is surely a must-win.

From BBC

The ads — which Caplan called an “attempt to shock voters” — indicate that Republicans see these House races as must-win contests, he said, because “media costs in Southern California are hugely expensive.”

From Los Angeles Times

Strategists say the state looks like a must-win for Donald Trump to take back the presidency.

From BBC

The pressure of a must-win game seemed to strike early with a stuttering powerplay of 34-2, with both Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Alice Capsey falling early.

From BBC