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

“Wicked” wasn’t just marketed; this was an all-out, pink and green tactical assault.

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His classmates blinked back at him, giggling, until he finally blurted out, “I need to go to the bathroom,” and then their giggles turned into all-out laughter.

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Hundreds of members of Unite in Birmingham have been on all-out strike since March in a dispute over pay and jobs.

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England are yet to decide whether they go with an all-out pace attack at Perth Stadium where the wicket is renowned as fast and bouncy, or include a spinner.

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President Sheinbaum has been acting against cartels but resisting calls for another all-out war on drugs.

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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.