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

Lawmakers and elder advocates are concerned this all-or-nothing clawback will leave vulnerable seniors unable to pay for basic needs. —Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

While a helpful alternative to those all-or-nothing, three-day passes, be forewarned: The price for single-day tickets this year has jumped 33% from the $149 cost in 2024. —Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 17 Mar. 2025

Mark forms a shaky alliance in an all-or-nothing play, while the team makes a dangerous last stand. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025

Framing discussions with anything in an all-or-nothing framework does not foster trust or communication. —Markus Lindblad, Forbes, 7 Mar. 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