all-or-nothing

[awl-er-nuhth-ing] / ˈɔl ərˈnʌθ ɪŋ /

ADJECTIVE

accepting no less than everything

Synonyms

STRONGEST

hard-line inflexible uncompromising unyielding

WEAK

adamant firm unbending

Antonyms

STRONGEST

flexible willing yielding

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.

Rather than having an all-or-nothing change in beneficiaries, it’s wiser to have a more balanced approach, one that you and your husband can review every year, or so.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

As secretary of state, Dulles kept the U.S. out of major wars and came to recognize the danger of an all-or-nothing approach to nuclear weapons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

But the United States is deploying a blunt, all-or-nothing approach.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Breaks apiece early in the first set suggested the crowd on Louis Armstrong Stadium were about to enjoy a close contest, but Riedi's all-or-nothing aggressive game proved his downfall.

From BBC • Sep. 1, 2025

And the process was an all-or-nothing one; either you failed to modify at all, or else you modified the whole way.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley