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.

---

one-size-fits-all British  

adjective

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

---

Etymology

Origin of one-size-fits-all

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

“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

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

"This suggests that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to treating disorders of gut-brain interaction, and that when patients experience different symptoms, we may have to target different pathways," said Margolis.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works with trades on big, sprawling sectors such as technology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 12, 2026

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

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon