all-out

1 of 2

adjective

ˈȯl-ˈau̇t 

1

: made with maximum effort : thoroughgoing

an all-out effort to win the contest

2

: full-blown sense 2

all out

2 of 2

adverb

: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort

—used chiefly in the phrase go all out

Synonyms of all-out

Adjective

• sheer
• utter
• unconditional
• complete
• absolute
• pure
• total
• outright
• simple
• definite
• perfect

Adverb

• full steam ahead
• like crazy
• to the hilt
• in full career
• thoroughly
• completely

Examples of all-out in a Sentence

Adjective

Grandpa got the all-out support of the family when he decided to remarry at age 72

an all-out effort to break open the door

Adverb

went all out for her New Year's Eve party—she even had fireworks!

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The all-out effort from Champagnie, Riley and Watkins had a carryover effect on their teammates. —Josh Robbins, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

Yang echoed the sentiment, saying that Beijing is more likely to prioritize minimizing the fallout on its economic interests – rather than engaging in an all-out geopolitical competition with the US in the region. —Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 6 Jan. 2026

Adverb

Your energy levels are all out of whack as the sun and moon clash! —Usa Today, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Starting quarterback Jayden Denegal and starting wide receivers Jacob Bostick and Jordan Napier are all out following injuries that required surgery. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

all-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈȯ-ˈlau̇t

: made with maximum effort : extreme

an all-out attempt to finish on time

all out

2 of 2 adverb

: with maximum effort

went all out to win