last-ditch

[ last-ditch, lahst- ]

/ ˈlæstˈdɪttʃ, ˈlɑst- /

done finally in desperation to avoid defeat, failure, disaster, etc.: a last-ditch attempt to avert war.

fought with every resource at one's command: a last-ditch battle for the pennant.

Origin of last-ditch

First recorded in 1905–10; last¹ + ditch

last-ditch·er, noun

Her husband, Ethan (Mark Duplass), books them a vacation retreat in a last-ditch effort to repair their relationship.

Is Elisabeth Moss the One 'True Detective' Loves? She Doesn't Deny It. |Melissa Leon |August 12, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
For women spending upwards of $10,000 in a last-ditch effort to have a baby, such a reduction in chances can be devastating.

The Crumbling Post-35 Pregnancy Myth |Jean Twenge |June 29, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Both are last-ditch measures to disrupt a missile engagement, not to prevent tracking.

New U.S. Stealth Jet Can’t Hide From Russian Radar |Bill Sweetman |April 28, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
First, that the regime might use them against rebels or civilians in a last-ditch act of desperation.

What To Do In Syria |Hussein Ibish |June 28, 2013 |DAILY BEAST

Put aside the last-ditch defense of the Bush tax rates for the few.

Robert Shrum: Obama Won Election & Will Win Again on Fiscal Cliff |Robert Shrum |December 7, 2012 |DAILY BEAST
The valorous retreat of the French and their last-ditch stand on the Marne compelled admiration.

Woodrow Wilson and the World War |Charles Seymour
He's been the people's Golden Boy, their last-ditch hope for peace.

Bear Trap |Alan Edward Nourse
All those dying, suffering, last-ditch men lying around, and the two worn-out doctors hurrying among 'em—they didn't care.

Short Stories of Various Types |Various
They were, however, potentially so capable of making things worse that they would not be tried save as last-ditch measures.

The Vortex Blaster |Edward Elmer Smith
As with the sixth and seventh resolves, this last-ditch effort made no difference.

The Road to Independence: Virginia 1763-1783 |Virginia State Dept. of Education

last-ditch

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