What it means
ことごとく means that every member or instance in a relevant set is affected, without exception. It often conveys a strong sense of “all” or “every single one,” and it commonly appears before a verb describing the result or treatment of multiple things. The expression is more formal and literary than 全部 or みんな, so it is especially common in written reports, serious commentary, and formal narration.
Usage note
ことごとく refers to every item or instance in a set, rather than simply expressing a high degree such as “completely.” The relevant set is often understood from context, and the expression can sound overly formal in casual conversation.
How to use it
提案はことごとく退けられました。
The proposals were all rejected.
提案はことごとく退けられた。
The proposals were all rejected.
Example sentences
昨年度に寄せられた改善案は、ことごとく見送られました。
The improvement proposals submitted last fiscal year were all shelved.
古代都市の遺跡は、ことごとく砂に埋もれていた。
The ruins of the ancient city were entirely buried in sand.
審査に提出された企画書は、ことごとく採用されました。
The proposals submitted for review were all adopted.
台風