presenting an unavoidable need to choose between two alternatives
an either-or situation
either-or in American English
(ˈiðərˈɔr)
adjective
designating a proposition, situation, etc. limited to only two alternatives
either-or in American English
(ˈiðərˈɔr, ˈaiðər-)
adjective
allowing no equivocation; being limited in choice to two options
It's an either-or situation--you pay the bill or you lose the company's services
Word origin
[1925–30]This word is first recorded in the period 1925–30. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: decibel, distinctive feature, dropout, gimmick, off-line
Examples of 'either-or' in a sentence
either-or
However, you don't have to think of it as an either-or choice.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
She undercuts it, though, by making it either-or: wants or feelings.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
And it's not always an either-or, innate versus learned, situation.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
Pointless pressure is created to make an either-or choice of working or staying at home.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
They argue that clinicians should avoid either-or responses and should instead consider treatment on multiple levels.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
I think more and more people are realising it isn't an either-or thing - you can haveboth.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
One point the experts emphasise is that it's not an either-or decision between an annuity and drawdown.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The either-or conundrum here was straightforward: stick with the class that you've got or bring in some fresh legs.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Up and down, forward and back are no longer either-or decisions but are all potential energies radiating from the figure.
The Times Literary Supplement (2018)
In other languages
either-or
British English: either ... or /ˈaɪðə; iːðə ɔː/ CONJUNCTION
You use either in front of the first of two or more alternatives, when you are stating the only possibilities or choices that there are. The other alternatives are introduced by or.
Sightseeing is best done either by tour bus or by bicycles.