all-or-nothing

adjective

all-or-noth·​ing

ˌȯl-ər-ˈnə-thiŋ

1

: all-or-none

2

a

: accepting no less than everything

he's an all-or-nothing perfectionist

b

: risking everything

an all-or-nothing combat strategy

Examples of all-or-nothing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rather than an all-or-nothing early retirement, the Retire Sooner Method aims to help people find the sweet spot where money and happiness intersect. —Wes Moss, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Nadler does not see the competition as an all-or-nothing battle. —Elizabeth MacBride, CNBC, 19 May 2026

Do not make choices all-or-nothing. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026

Reducing soda intake does not have to be all-or-nothing. —Brittany Poulson, Verywell Health, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for all-or-nothing

• nothing

Medical Definition

all-or-nothing

adjective

all-or-noth·​ing -ˈnəth-iŋ 

: all-or-none