one-size-fits-all

American  

[wuhn-sahyz-fits-awl] / ˈwʌnˈsaɪzˌfɪtsˈɔl /

adjective

1. (of clothing) designed to fit people of a wide range of sizes.

2. Informal. acceptable or used for a wide variety of purposes or circumstances; appealing or suitable to a variety of tastes.

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one-size-fits-all British  

adjective

1. relating to policies or approaches that are standard and not tailored to individual needs

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Etymology

Origin of one-size-fits-all

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“The larger impact would be a move away from a one-size-fits-all framework for Alzheimer’s disease,” Dhamala said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

Ultimately, the goal is to move toward more personalized care, where treatments are tailored to the specific characteristics of each patient's cancer rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

The goal is to move beyond one-size-fits-all promotions and instead use data to target individuals with relevant rewards and incentives.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

Distributors have countered that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t necessarily work for smaller or mid-budget films, which may find a bigger audience via at-home viewing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

The only downside was that a one-size-fits-all letter wasn’t going to cut it.

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen