free-for-all

[free-fer-awl]

noun

1. a fight, argument, contest, etc., open to everyone and usually without rules.

   Synonyms: donnybrook, melee, scrap, fracas, brawl

2. any competition or contested situation that is disordered, impulsive, or out of control.

   a free-for-all at the buffet table.

3. Informal.,  any enterprise or field of endeavor in which various companies, countries, participants, etc., compete without restriction.

   a price-cutting free-for-all among local stores.

adjective

1. open to everyone.

free-for-all

noun

1. informal,  a disorganized brawl or argument, usually involving all those present

Word History and Origins

Origin of free-for-all¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

“Generally, I’d use the take where they went for a free-for-all,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times

While the content moderation wars have focused on social and broadcast media for years, the recent rise in popularity of podcasts has left the medium a free-for-all that operates with virtually no scrutiny.

From Salon

But the finance industry appears to have avoided the potential free-for-all rush to claim compensation the earlier verdict had threatened to spark off.

From BBC

Then in October last year, Sir Jonathan called for urgent regulation of the funeral industry, which he called an "unregulated free-for-all".

From BBC

"Without proper enforcement, parking quickly becomes a free-for-all, with some people taking advantage at the expense of others," it said in a statement.

From BBC

Related Words

• brawl 
• brouhaha 
• fracas 
• melee 
• riot