View synonyms for all-out

all-out

[ awl-out ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

using all one's resources; complete; total:
an all-out effort.
Synonyms: unstinting, unremitting, exhaustive

all-out

adjective

using one's maximum powers
an all-out effort

adverb

to one's maximum effort or capacity
he went all out on the home stretch

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Word History and Origins

Origin of all-out¹

1905–10; adj. use of all out utterly, completely, Middle English al out

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Idioms and Phrases

With all one's strength, ability, or resources; not holding back. For example, They are going all out to make the fund-raiser a success . This seemingly modern term dates from about 1300, when it meant “completely” or “wholly.” It now refers to making a great effort and is also used adjectivally, as in an all-out effort . This usage became current in America in the late 1800s, with reference to races and other kinds of athletic exertion. In the mid-1900s it gave rise to the phrase to go all out and was transferred to just about any energetic undertaking. Also see go whole hog .

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Example Sentences

This led to the formation of a Christian militant group to counter the rebels, and all-out sectarian violence exploded.

From The Daily Beast

In that context, Sotto Sotto was one of the all-out survivors.

From The Daily Beast

None, however, have been as all-out cute as this one, a shot-for-shot remake of the teaser with dogs and cats.

From The Daily Beast

In June, Pakistan launched an all-out military offensive in the region, ostensibly to evict all the militants from the area.

From The Daily Beast

Could it be that after holding on to very relative stability during three years of regional tumult, Lebanon now faced all-out war?

From The Daily Beast

He knew that today, and for years before, nobody had dared start an all-out atomic war.

From Project Gutenberg

Something as if all-out-doors were cramped and small, and it were better to return to the freedom and amplitude of the interior?

From Project Gutenberg

Once a war started, no nation could resist the temptation to go all-out.

From Project Gutenberg

Im going to stick around until the all-out alarm is sounded.

From Project Gutenberg

Mitch, who wanted to quit an all-out war, reached for the fusing switch.

From Project Gutenberg

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More About All-out

What does all-out mean?

All-out describes using all of your resources or energy to accomplish something, as in Talya made an all-out effort on her midterm exams.

The related phrase all out usually follows go and means to make a total effort, as in Jamal’s parents really went all out for his birthday party, treating all the guests to helicopter rides!

Example: The away team won the game because they went for an all-out attack on the home team.

Where does all-out come from?

The first records of the term all-out come from around 1905, while the phrase all out dates back to at least 1300. It comes from the Middle English phrase al out.

An all-out effort can be either a physical or mental effort. When you put on a burst of speed at the end of a marathon, you’re physically going all-out. When you study for several weeks for a big exam, you’re mentally going all-out.

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What are some synonyms for all-out?

What are some words that share a root or word element with all-out?

What are some words that often get used in discussing all-out?

How is all-out used in real life?

All-out is a common term often used in casual conversations.

It’s an all-out race to 5G and no one knows where the finish line is.

— Marques Brownlee (@MKBHD) February 19, 2019

Vogel: "I couldn't be more proud of our group. All-out effort and perseverance." #PacersWin

— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) April 15, 2015

I'm a firm believer in going all-out for the #MetGala. If you can't wear it here, where can you wear it? #GoBigOrGoHome

— Coco Rocha (@cocorocha) May 7, 2013

Try using all-out!

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for all-out?

A. full-blown
B. full-scale
C. maximum
D. half-hearted

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

allotype all outdoors, big as

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