at all costs

phrase

: regardless of the cost or consequences

was determined to win at all costs

Word History

First Known Use

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of at all costs was in 1810

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

at all

at all costs

at all events

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“At all costs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20all%20costs. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

Popular in Grammar & Usage

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

at all costs

phrase

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Erin go bragh