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

The system is based on a simple premise: Democracy works better if people aren’t forced to make an all-or-nothing choice with their vote. —David B. Caruso, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025

Though the goal should be three servings of flavonoid-rich foods daily, your diet is not all-or-nothing. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 23 June 2025

For good measure, Siakam buried an 18-footer with one second left before the break that pushed the lead to 22 and, in the end, provided enough of a cushion to set up the all-or-nothing finale. —Sam Amick, New York Times, 20 June 2025

The card also features two all-or-nothing action fighters: Hyder Amil and Terrance McKinney. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

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