full-scale

adjective

ˈfu̇l-ˌskāl 

1

: identical to an original in proportion and size

full-scale drawing

2

a

: involving full use of available resources

a full-scale biography

full-scale war

b

: total, complete

A full-scale musical renaissance …

—Current Biography

Synonyms of full-scale

• thorough
• extensive
• comprehensive
• complete
• sweeping
• exhaustive

Examples of full-scale in a Sentence

a full-scale search and rescue for the victims of the rock slide

Recent Examples on the Web

Alongside the proof-of-concept program, the company is continuing work on a full-scale nuclear demonstration borehole and the design of its primary heat exchanger. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 July 2026

This appears to be one of Kyiv's deepest attacks on Russian territory since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. — Justina Lee, CNBC, 8 July 2026

Athletes from numerous countries involved in wars are still able to participate in the Olympics, but the IOC imposed strict restrictions on Russia and Belarus following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 8 July 2026

As tensions boiled in the Gaza Strip in 2018, Eisenkot resisted pressure for a full-scale war, ultimately prevailing in Netanyahu’s cabinet against the minister of defense Avigdor Liberman (who resigned after the conflict ended). — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for full-scale

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email

Kids Definition

full-scale

adjective

ˈfu̇l-ˈskā(ə)l

1

: identical to an original in size

2

: not limited in any way : using everything that can be used

a full-scale war