at all

1. In the slightest degree, under any circumstances, as in She simply refused to walk at all . This construction often occurs in the negative, as in He was not at all frightened . All four senses of this phrase date from the mid-1300s.

2. To any extent, as in Was she at all surprised?

3. For any reason, as in Why bother at all?

4. In any way or manner, as in Is she able to sing at all?

Example Sentences

But increasingly, bacterial resistance to current drugs -- so they don't work well, or even at all -- means new ones are urgently needed.

From Science Daily

The paper hypothesizes that it is possible that manatees were not present at all in precolonial Florida and the tools and ornaments arrived here via Native Americans trading with those from the Caribbean.

From Science Daily

Not that there needs to be a point at all.

From New York Times

Did you talk to her or consult with her at all before shooting?

From Los Angeles Times

There are no drums: “I’m not trying to do a big-band sound — not at all,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times