all-or-nothing

adjective

all-or-noth·​ing

ˌȯl-ər-ˈnə-thiŋ

1

: all-or-none

2

a

: accepting no less than everything

he's an all-or-nothing perfectionist

b

: risking everything

an all-or-nothing combat strategy

Examples of all-or-nothing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rybakina is one of the purest ballstrikers on the tour, whose all-or-nothing game can veer from erratic to unplayable in the space of a few games. —Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025

But do the Yankees, who already possess the most home run power of any team in the sport, really need one more all-or-nothing bat in their lineup? —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

The all-or-nothing approach that has taken hold in Washington, which treats compromise as a dirty word, is the root cause of the dysfunction. —The Detroit News Editorial Board, Twin Cities, 6 Nov. 2025

Cox previously voiced his concerns about Strong's all-or-nothing approach while visiting Late Night With Seth Meyers in December 2021. —Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1764, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for all-or-nothing

• nothing

Medical Definition

all-or-nothing

adjective

all-or-noth·​ing -ˈnəth-iŋ 

: all-or-none