all-out

American  

[awl-out] / ˈɔlˌaʊt /

adjective

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

   an all-out effort.

   Synonyms:

   unremitting, exhaustive, unstinting

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all-out British  

adjective

1. using one's maximum powers

   an all-out effort

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adverb

1. to one's maximum effort or capacity

   he went all out on the home stretch

all out Idioms  

1. 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.

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Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of all-out

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

Example Sentences

That kind of flexibility leads to spontaneous nights where what started off as an intimate hang expands into an all-out party.

From Los Angeles Times

Salah had his fraught moments with Klopp, as he did latterly with his successor Arne Slot, especially an angry touchline exchange when West Ham United scored as he was waiting to go on as a substitute in a 2-2 draw at London Stadium in April 2024 - but they were made for each other as the German's all-out attacking approach brought the best out of his main marksman.

From BBC

But Molina’s all-out attack may have you plotting your escape from the theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Workers have been on strike since January last year, with all-out action ongoing since March 2025.

From BBC

If our 2024 event was more of an intimate kickback, 2025 was an all-out party.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• full-blown
• full-scale