all-out

[awl-out]

adjective

1. using all one's resources; complete; total.

   an all-out effort.

   Synonyms: unremitting, exhaustive, unstinting

all-out

adjective

1. using one's maximum powers

   an all-out effort

adverb

1. to one's maximum effort or capacity

   he went all out on the home stretch

Word History and Origins

Origin of all out¹

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

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.

Example Sentences

Shedding allies, the LGBTQ+ coalition teeters on the tail of this recent Quiet Pride, with public institutions that have been loudly supportive in the recent past intimidated into whispers, or all-out silence.

From Salon

By the time of his nomination, confirmation had turned into an all-out ideological war.

From Los Angeles Times

"And let's call it out: theirs is an all-out war on future generations too," Miliband said.

From BBC

It has turned the final days of the regular season into an all-out manhunt for even the slightest of trustworthy playoff options.

From Los Angeles Times

Workers started an all-out strike more than six months ago in a dispute over pay and plans to downgrade some job roles.

From BBC

Related Words

• full-blown 
• full-scale 

When To Use

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.