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

The Falcons outrebounded a taller Nighthawks roster 30-28, with 23 defensive boards on the day, limiting a fast, flowing Northfield offense to a series of one-shot possessions. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026

Ludvig grinding without his best Åberg entered Saturday with a one-shot lead. —Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2026

Berger himself birdied the easiest hole on a difficult course to hold a one-shot advantage. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2026

Bridgeman pulled it together with one last par, making a nervy 3-footer on the 18th for a 1-over 72 and a one-shot victory over McIlroy and Kitayama for his first PGA Tour title. —ABC News, 22 Feb. 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