full-scale
Americanadjective
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having the exact size or proportions of the original.
a full-scale replica.
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using all possible means, facilities, etc.; complete.
The factory will commence full-scale operation next month.
noun
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(of a plan, etc) of actual size; having the same dimensions as the original
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done with thoroughness or urgency; using all resources; all-out
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
The war in Iran has shown how energy security is still one of Europe’s biggest strategic weaknesses, four years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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
Shultz filed his habeas corpus petition, and the Kansas Supreme Court commissioned one of its own retired justices, the Honorable Walter G. Thiele, to conduct a full-scale hearing.
From "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.