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

Alcoholics Anonymous, which Pitt attended for 18 months after Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, sees sobriety as all-or-nothing with no exceptions, Schrank pointed out. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026

As for what her evenings in Ibiza look like, the Practical Magic 2 star explained the all-or-nothing nature of her time on the Spanish island known for its nightlife. — Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026

What made the biggest difference for me was taking the time to run the numbers instead of assuming refinancing was an all-or-nothing decision. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

These all-or-nothing contracts disincentivize iterative development and allow vendors to hold their customers hostage. — Tom Dowling, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 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