one-shot

adjective

ˈwən-ˌshät 

1

: that is complete or effective through being done or used or applied only once

There is no easy one-shot answer to the problem.

2

: that is not followed by something else of the same kind

a one-shot tax cut

one-shot noun

Synonyms of one-shot

• occasional
• one-off

Examples of one-shot in a Sentence

this offer is a one-shot deal; if you refuse, you won't get another chance

Recent Examples on the Web

Directed by Philip Barantini, the brilliant slow-burn investigative procedural — about the violent death of a 13-year-old girl in an English suburb — gained a global reputation for its moving acting performances and extraordinary approach to one-shot cinematography. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Jan. 2026

The discretionary-spending policy appears to have been a one-shot deal, as similar payments were not extended in 2025. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 Jan. 2026

The plan to monetize unpaid bills is also a one-shot solution, experts warned. —Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

There isn’t a single NHL team that wouldn’t want to add a fast winger that hits everything that moves to their lineup for the playoffs, especially if that speedy, physical winger is also on pace to score 30 goals and is a legitimately gifted one-shot goal scoring threat with rush attacking value. —Thomas Drance, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for one-shot

• aeronaut
• aforethought
• afterthought
• apricot
• argonaut
• astronaut
• camelot
• coffeepot
• concordat
• cosmonaut
• entrepot
• flowerpot