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

“There’s no one-size-fits-all answer,” says Steve Silver, a lawyer at Littler who advises clients on employee policies.

From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026

The best remote-work policies avoid one-size-fits-all mandates and try to accommodate employees’ varying preferences.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026

“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

“You don’t need to use them — you just need to wear them,” a civil servant says, capturing the government’s one-size-fits-all indifference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

In the bathroom, I slip into my one-size-fits-all dress.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon