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

See Examples For:

one-size-fits-all

That we will not try to drive a one-size-fits-all response across the states.

From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026

Based on the findings, the researchers argue that the current one-size-fits-all approach to exercise recommendations may need to be reconsidered.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 8, 2026

"They need to change the way that they're thinking they can teach students as a one-size-fits-all."

From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to claiming Social Security or deciding how quickly to spend down your assets.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

They wore scratchy prison uniforms, including one-size-fits-all shoes with interchangeable right and left feet.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling