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Definition of "all-or-none" [all-or-none]

  • Characterized by either a complete response or by a total lack of response or effect, as in neurological action above a threshold: "Nerve impulses follow the All or None Law—that is, a nerve impulse generated by a weak stimulus is just as strong as one generated by a strong stimulus” ( Fundamentals of Biology). (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "all-or-none" in a sentence
  • "CONS: Early volumes have problems with jarring perspective changes; Worldbuilding often uses infodumping rather than in-narrative elements; The story isn't well segmented into individual novels, leaving readers with an all-or-none decision."
  • "If this is not an all-or-none group, the explanation should be interesting."
  • "NuStar's benefits are generous even within the well-paying energy sector: The petroleum and asphalt transportation and storage company has a no-layoff policy, has an all-or-none bonus policy and offers use of the corporate jet for emergencies."
Words like "all-or-none"