life-or-death en · ADJ
Meanings
-
(not-comparable) Of critical importance to the survival of a living organism.
Good camoflouge is life or death for many animals in the wild.
-
(not-comparable) Having death as a possible or even likely outcome; perilous.
Ascending Mount Everest can be life or death for an inexperienced climber.
-
(idiomatic, not-comparable) Of critical importance to the success of a particular endeavor.
Obtaining financing was a life-or-death matter for the research.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| life or death | alternative | lexicographic | |
| life-and-death | alternative | lexicographic |
Relateds
Translations (2)
ko 판가름하다 (having death as a possible or even likely outcome; perilous) · pl na śmierć i życie (having death as a possible or even likely outcome; perilous)