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

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

The rise of hyper-personalization is trouncing the one-size-fits-all holiday thanks to canny travel fixers and tour operators that are threading the desire for off-menu, bespoke experiences into travel's ever-evolving DNA. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2024

Jacob Oliva, secretary for the Arkansas Department of Education, said during Monday's event the Education Freedom Accounts help break Arkansas out of the one-size-fits-all approach to education. —Monica Brich, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024

The crinkle texture is super stretchy, so the one-size-fits-all style can fit different body types. —Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

Limited resources in learning and development have led us to believe that common, one-size-fits-all learning experiences will lead to more skilled performance. —David James, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1