all-purpose

American  

[awl-pur-puhs] / ˈɔlˈpɜr pəs /

adjective

1. for every purpose.

   an all-purpose detergent.

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all-purpose British  

adjective

1. useful for many things

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Etymology

Origin of all-purpose

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

GPUs are all-purpose AI chips: They can be used both for training AI models as well as running those models for chatbots, image generation, and the like.

From Barron's

At issue was Likely’s post-reception action, and whether or not he had completed the proper sequence of steps and moves to satisfy that all-purpose bit of NFL gobbledygook:

From The Wall Street Journal

“Surreal” has become a kind of all-purpose adjective, one used to describe everything from an alien abduction to a meal at Arby’s.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 15 councils in the county will be replaced with either five, four or three all-purpose unitary authorities.

From BBC

Foden has been used in a more all-purpose midfield role this season.

From BBC

Related Words

• advantageous
• appropriate
• convenient
• effective
• favorable
• fruitful
• good
• handy
• helpful
• practical
• pragmatic
• profitable
• proper
• suitable