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

Short, regular sessions beat all-or-nothing thinking. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 8 Feb. 2026

An extreme, all-or-nothing fitness regimen is going viral again as millions seek rapid weight loss and mental toughness through its relentless daily rules. —Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026

Make adjustments when needed Many retirees treat their spending plan like an all-or-nothing system. —Sheryl Rowling, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026

Suplee’s early attempts at fitness were all-or-nothing affairs, mirroring his overall relationship with food. —Mike Wehner, Big Think, 29 Jan. 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