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

For creative teams, this moves the focus from a one-shot generation tool towards more of a conversational editing environment. —Moin Roberts-Islam, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Ellie Bushnell of Oklahoma State and Megha Ganne from Stanford are tied for the individual lead, holding a one-shot edge after posting rounds of 68 (-4). —Wire Report, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026

After driving it into a greenside bunker, Rai was left with a 40-yard shot that most players holding a one-shot lead would play with extreme caution. —Mark Harris Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026

It has been translated into six languages and launched a spin-off series, Queen of Swords, as well as various one-shots. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 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