na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
frantic; desperate; with all one's might
Describes a state of extreme effort or desperation, often used adverbially with に or as a な-adjective. Very common in everyday speech.
I passed the exam through frantic effort.
noun
inevitable death; certain death
Literal meaning of the kanji; used in historical or dramatic contexts to refer to a situation where death is unavoidable. Rare in modern conversation.
戦場では必死を覚悟しなければならない。
On the battlefield, one must be prepared for certain death.
noun
brinkmate; inevitable checkmate
Shogi term for a position where checkmate is unavoidable regardless of the opponent's moves. Also written 必至.
See also: 必至
この局面はすでに必死だ。
This position is already brinkmate.