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

Rather than treating speaking up as an all-or-nothing leap, this approach breaks team communication down into three manageable levels, each one raising the stakes slightly while lowering the barrier to entry. — Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Trading away so much in the blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo deal signaled an all-or-nothing, win-now approach by the Heat. — Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

My nightly gaming sessions feel like an all-or-nothing battle against blurry screens and nagging neck strain. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 July 2026

But in contrast with the all-or-nothing approach demanded by trans activists, the ruling presents a middle path. — Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 1 July 2026

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