all-out

1 of 2

adjective

ˈȯl-ˈau̇t 

1

: made with maximum effort : thoroughgoing

an all-out effort to win the contest

2

: full-blown sense 2

all out

2 of 2

adverb

: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort

—used chiefly in the phrase go all out

Synonyms of all-out

Adjective

• sheer
• utter
• unconditional
• complete
• absolute
• pure
• total
• outright
• simple
• definite
• perfect

Adverb

• full steam ahead
• like crazy
• to the hilt
• in full career
• thoroughly
• completely

Examples of all-out in a Sentence

Adjective

Grandpa got the all-out support of the family when he decided to remarry at age 72

an all-out effort to break open the door

Adverb

went all out for her New Year's Eve party—she even had fireworks!

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Moscow and Kyiv have observed the truce in and around the devastated southern Ukrainian city since Tuesday, despite remaining locked in war since Russia’s all-out invasion of its neighbor more than 4 ½ years ago. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

In 2024, South Korea’s National Police Agency revealed that North Korean hackers had mounted all-out cyberattacks against South Korean defense companies for over a year, breaching their networks and stealing technical data. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026

Adverb

When the 2025 House settlement limited rosters to 105 players instead of effectively unlimited, coaches were less willing to go all out in practice and risk injuries. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

A little heavy cream rounds it all out—no peeling, roasting, or blender required. — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for all-out

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

all-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈȯ-ˈlau̇t

: made with maximum effort : extreme

an all-out attempt to finish on time

all out

2 of 2 adverb

: with maximum effort

went all out to win