one-size-fits-all

adjective

ˈwən-ˈsīz-ˈfits-ˈȯl 

1

: designed to conform to all shapes and sizes

one-size-fits-all T-shirts

One-size-fits-all gloves by Nolan Glove have gripper palms that are perfect for holding on …

—Andrea Skinner

If you are small of ear, you may find that those one-size-fits-all earbuds simply don't fit.

—David Pogue

2

: covering, used for, or applying to all cases or individuals without modification

This past spring, The New England Journal of Medicine published a series of articles by well-known geneticists who expressed frustration and disappointment at their inability to hit upon a one-size-fits-all genetic explanation for common diseases, which had seemed within their grasp only a few years ago.

—Matthew Stremlau

Levine says the old, one-size-fits-all approach allows too many youngsters to fall through the cracks—kids who may be perfectly intelligent but struggle in school.

—Barbara Kantrowitz et al.

Skeptics worry that patients are too varied and doctors too accustomed to providing unlimited care for a one-size-fits-all payment policy.

—Catherine Arnst

Where once there was the one-size-fits-all fixed-rate 30-year mortgage, now there is a bewildering assortment of home-financing arrangements …

—Consumer Reports

Examples of one-size-fits-all in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s no one-size-fits-all, as some people can naturally tolerate the cold more than others. —Emily Peck, WIRED, 23 Apr. 2024

The bill is one-size-fits-all The bill covers: (1) all employees, exempt and non-exempt; (2) all employers, established giants and budding startups; and (3) all industries, retailers and professional services. —Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Apr. 2024

But overall, diet experts wants to remind people that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthy. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

The Best and Worst Artificial Sweeteners for Your Health Other Options for Weight Management Kumar said that managing or losing weight is not a one-size-fits-all process. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 Apr. 2024

Retirement planning is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 11 Apr. 2024

The former vice president also explains in the documentary that initially, the store offered various sizes, but eventually transitioned to a one-size-fits-all approach. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all package, CRE Vertical offers services à la carte, allowing clients to choose the solutions that best suit their needs and budget. —Kyle Russell, USA TODAY, 8 Apr. 2024

That’s because there’s really no one-size-fits-all approach: Some workouts can improve symptoms and help mitigate certain triggers, like an inability to sleep well. —Erica Sweeney, SELF, 3 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1