general-purpose

adjective

gen·​er·​al-pur·​pose ˈjen-rəl-ˈpər-pəs 

ˈje-nə-

: suitable to be used for two or more basic purposes

Synonyms of general-purpose

• unlimited
• general
• unrestricted

Examples of general-purpose in a Sentence

a general-purpose glue for routine household repairs

Recent Examples on the Web

XPeng says the facility is designed to bring its automotive manufacturing expertise into robotics as competition intensifies among companies developing general-purpose humanoid robots. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

Article 55 of the AI Act requires providers of general-purpose AI models deemed to pose systemic risk to report serious incidents to the AI Office within 15 days, and the most severe incidents within two days. — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

But in an interview with NPR last year, Patterson said the projection can create a misleading impression when used as a general-purpose world map. — Jewel Bright, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Simplicity’s goal is not to build just another general-purpose assistant, but dedicated solutions that understand niche workflows and execute on behalf of professionals. — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for general-purpose

• multipurpose
• purpose