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

“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

There is no one-size-fits-all impact that parental divorce has on children’s finances.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 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

“Once AI can analyze your DNA, identify your mutations and generate molecules to target them, the medicine stops being a one-size-fits-all proposition. It becomes custom software for your body.”

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 17, 2026

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

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon