life-or-death

English

Alternative forms

• life-and-death
• life or death

Adjective

life-or-death (not comparable)

1. Of critical importance to the survival of a living organism.

   Good camoflouge is life or death for many animals in the wild.

2. Having death as a possible or even likely outcome; perilous.

   Ascending Mount Everest can be life or death for an inexperienced climber.

3. Of critical importance to the success of a particular endeavor.

   Obtaining financing was a life-or-death matter for the research.

Translations

Having death as a possible or even likely outcome; perilous

• Polish: na śmierć i życie

See also

• matter of life and death