Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sudden-death

noun
ˈsʌdn dɛθ
Definition
A situation where a game or contest continues until one participant achieves a clear winning condition, typically used in sports like soccer or basketball.
Examples
  • If the match is tied after regular time, it will go to sudden-death overtime.
  • The sudden-death rule in the playoffs can lead to thrilling moments.
Meaning
The term describes a scenario in which the game ends immediately when one team or player scores or achieves a specific goal, often used for tiebreaking in competitions.
Synonyms
  • overtime
  • deciding round
  • tiebreaker