all-out

[awl-out]

adjective

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

   an all-out effort.

   Synonyms: unremitting, exhaustive, unstinting

all-out

adjective

1. using one's maximum powers

   an all-out effort

adverb

1. to one's maximum effort or capacity

   he went all out on the home stretch

Word History and Origins

Origin of all out¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

Israeli leaders in recent weeks announced new settlements in the West Bank and said that the military would proceed with an all-out assault against Gaza City.

From Salon

According to him, there were “quite a few baby steps involved” before an all-out Clipse project was underway.

From Los Angeles Times

Putin launched the all-out invasion in February 2022 expecting Ukrainians to embrace Russian rule.

From Los Angeles Times

At news conferences and in interviews, she accused the president of waging “an all-out assault on Los Angeles,” inciting chaos and fear and using the city as “a test case for an extremist agenda.”

From Los Angeles Times

Against the backdrop of the massive floods in northern China, President Xi Jinping has called for "all-out" rescue efforts and told authorities to prepare for "worst-case and extreme scenarios".

From BBC

Related Words

• full-blown 
• full-scale 

When To Use

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.