Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Complete in extent or intensity; using all available resources or efforts: "full-scale" describes something that is carried out to the maximum possible degree, without limitations or reservations.
   • Of the same size as the original object: "full-scale" can also refer to a model, drawing, or replica that is exactly the same size as the object it represents.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The government launched a full-scale investigation into the financial scandal.
  • The engineers built a full-scale prototype of the new aircraft for testing.
  • After the initial skirmish, the conflict escalated into a full-scale war.

Advanced Usage

• "full-scale model/replica": A physical copy that is life-sized and matches the original dimensions.

  • The museum displays a full-scale model of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.

• "full-scale assault/attack": A military operation involving the commitment of all available forces.

  • The rebels mounted a full-scale assault on the capital city.

• "full-scale review/analysis": An examination that is thorough and leaves no aspect unconsidered.

  • The company conducted a full-scale review of its security protocols after the data breach.

Variants and Related Words

• All-out (adj): Involving all one's strength or resources; wholehearted. (Often used similarly to "full-scale" in contexts of effort or conflict).

  • They made an all-out effort to finish the project on time.

• Comprehensive (adj): Complete and including everything that is necessary.

  • She gave a comprehensive report on the market trends.

Synonyms

• Thorough: Carried out completely and carefully.
• Total: Complete in extent or degree.
• Unrestricted: Not limited or restricted.

Related Phrases

• To go full-scale: To begin or escalate an activity to its maximum level of effort or size.
  • Once the virus was confirmed to be highly contagious, health authorities decided to go full-scale with containment measures.

Related Idioms

• "Leave no stone unturned": To do everything possible to find something or to solve a problem. (This idiom conveys a similar sense of exhaustive effort as "full-scale").
  • The detective promised to leave no stone unturned in the search for the missing evidence.

Adjective

1. using all available resources
   • all-out war
   • a full-scale campaign against nuclear power plants