out-and-out

American  

[out-n-out, -nd-out] / ˈaʊt nˈaʊt, -ndˈaʊt /

adjective

1. complete; total; thoroughgoing.

   an out-and-out lie.

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out-and-out British  

adjective

1. (prenominal) thoroughgoing; complete

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Etymology

Origin of out-and-out

Middle English word dating back to 1275–1325

Example Sentences

"Because there's not been an out-and-out left-back, it's an opportunity for someone. Every single other position you can pretty much say 'that's their first choice'," she added.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

And so he employs other tools: the hunch, the educated guess, even out-and-out speculation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 30, 2026

Both Rooney and Heskey feel the apparent lack of out-and-out number nines coming through is a sign of the way the game has gone, not just in England but globally.

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

But after years of dabbling in pop and hip-hop, Yungblud seemed to reintroduce himself with the widely praised “Changes” performance as an out-and-out rocker.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2025

"There's few out-and-out traitors, though there's some, even your spider hasn't found them all," Bywater had warned him.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin