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

Those are stark all-or-nothing stakes, but ones that Cenko can accept. — Tariq Malik, Space.com, 26 June 2026

After years of restrictive or all-or-nothing approaches, many people are seeking sustainable habits that include pleasure. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Switching to a lawn alternative doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026

Kickstarter donations operate on an all-or-nothing basis. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 June 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