all-out

1 of 2

adjective

ˈȯl-ˈau̇t 

1

: made with maximum effort : thoroughgoing

an all-out effort to win the contest

2

: full-blown sense 2

all out

2 of 2

adverb

: with full determination or enthusiasm : with maximum effort

—used chiefly in the phrase go all out

Synonyms

Adjective

• absolute
• arrant
• blank
• blooming [chiefly British]
• bodacious [Southern & Midland]
• categorical
• categoric
• clean
• complete
• consummate
• crashing
• damn
• damned
• dead
• deadly
• definite
• downright
• dreadful
• fair
• flat
• flat-out
• out-and-out
• outright
• perfect
• plumb
• profound
• pure
• rank
• regular
• sheer
• simple
• stark
• stone
• straight-out
• thorough
• thoroughgoing
• total
• unadulterated
• unalloyed
• unconditional
• unmitigated
• unqualified
• utter
• very

Adverb

• full blast
• full tilt
• tooth and nail

Examples of all-out in a Sentence

Adjective

Grandpa got the all-out support of the family when he decided to remarry at age 72

an all-out effort to break open the door

Adverb

went all out for her New Year's Eve party—she even had fireworks!

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

This is the Korean lip tint that started my all-out obsession. —Sarah Han, Allure, 30 Nov. 2024

Make a Christmas Brunch Instead of going all-out for Christmas dinner, make a brunch spread instead. —Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024

Adverb

Carmakers are going all out to sell this year’s models before the new year. —Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024

Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa are going all out this spooky season. —Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adverb

1840, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

all-out

1 of 2 adjective

ˈȯ-ˈlau̇t

: made with maximum effort : extreme

an all-out attempt to finish on time

all out

2 of 2 adverb

: with maximum effort

went all out to win