Synonyms

full-scale

American

[fool-skeyl] / ˈfʊlˈskeɪl /

adjective

having the exact size or proportions of the original.

a full-scale replica.
using all possible means, facilities, etc.; complete.

The factory will commence full-scale operation next month.

full-scale British

noun

(of a plan, etc) of actual size; having the same dimensions as the original
done with thoroughness or urgency; using all resources; all-out

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of full-scale

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“They never would have merited a full-scale federal investigation,” he said.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Rheinmetall's business has boomed since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine spurred a re-armament drive in Europe.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

But whipping up one of her full-scale smorgasbords of sprinkled donuts, popcorn and nigiri for a gallery display isn’t mere child’s play.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Several pure-play quantum companies, including PsiQuantum, Quantinuum, and IonQ, say they’ll be able to deliver these full-scale computers anywhere from 1 to 4 years from now.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

The other was for a “new and larger cyclotron” for medical research, including the full-scale production of synthetic radioisotopes.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023