all-or-nothing

[ awl-er-nuhth-ing ]

adjective

1. not allowing for qualification or compromise; either fully or not at all operative:

   an all-or-nothing approach.

Word History and Origins

Origin of all-or-nothing¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

American politics has also too frequently become an all-or-nothing proposition, making the USA the United States of Agita.

From The Daily Beast

The polarization of the parties has empowered all-or-nothing absolutists, particularly on the Republican side of the aisle.

From The Daily Beast

We knew this would be a big swing, an all-or-nothing proposition.

From The Daily Beast

The all-or-nothing crowd is focused on an anti-tax litmus test, default be damned.

From The Daily Beast

The hyper-partisan all-or-nothing crowd is killing our credibility as the leading democratic republic on earth.

From The Daily Beast

He liked and trusted Jaimie, but the man had no experience in this field—and this sounded like an all-or-nothing shot.

From Project Gutenberg

We have rejected any all-or-nothing posture which would leave no choice but inglorious retreat or unlimited retaliation.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• hard-line
• inflexible
• uncompromising
• unyielding