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

See Examples For:

one-size-fits-all

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all criteria. We really work with the community and the council district in identifying the locations for the trash cans,” Kang said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2026

"It raises the possibility that genetics could one day help us identify who may benefit from a preventive treatment, rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026

"A one-size-fits-all model of 'you should be exercising this way in this phase and a different way in a different phase' shouldn't be advice that applies to all women," she says.

From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026

Reform and Opening 2.0 would thus reintroduce the incentive and feedback mechanisms missing from today’s one-size-fits-all China policy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 18, 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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---