end-all

American  

[end-awl] / ˈɛndˌɔl /

noun

1. the ultimate purpose, object, or conclusion.

   Money is the be-all and end-all of his existence.

2. something that brings things to such an end or conclusion.

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end-all British  

noun

1. short for be-all and end-all

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Etymology

Origin of end-all

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

But California would not prove to be the be-all and end-all for the rapper, who chose to lay down more permanent roots in Utah, just outside of Salt Lake City.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 18, 2026

But Olympic medal tables do not tell the full story, and are not the be-all and end-all.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

Promotion is the be-all and end-all here, failure to achieve that will mean enduring those dreary 0-0s will have been for nothing.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

“That doesn’t mean it’s not an important issue, but it’s not the be-all, end-all issue that’s been ascribed to them.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Peck’s access to an end-all weapon makes him valuable.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera