Daily Word Box

Install Daily Word Box: tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.

Word

flat-out

adverb
/ˈflæt ˌaʊt/

Meanings

adverb

Completely; absolutely (used for strong emphasis).

Visual cue for flat-out — meaning 1
adverb

Not true at all; entirely wrong (often in the phrase “flat-out lie/wrong”).

Visual cue for flat-out — meaning 2
adverb

At maximum speed or effort.

Image generation queued.

Definition

Used to emphasize that something is done completely or in an extreme way.

Flat-out is an informal adverb that adds strong emphasis. It often means “completely” or “absolutely,” especially when saying something is not true. It can also mean “at full speed” or “with maximum effort.”

Examples

  • That rumor is flat-out false.
  • I flat-out refused to pay extra fees.
  • The company flat-out denied the allegations.
  • He was running flat-out to catch the bus.
  • It’s flat-out impossible to finish in five minutes.