At the A1 level, 'adjustment' is a bit difficult. Think of it as a 'small change'. For example, if your chair is too low, you move it up. That is an adjustment. If you are learning English, you are making an adjustment to how you speak. It means making something better or more comfortable. You can say 'I make an adjustment to my seat'. It is like fixing something just a little bit. You don't need to change everything, just one small part. Imagine you are drawing a picture and you change one color. That is a small adjustment. It is a word for making things 'just right'. Even though it is a long word, the idea is simple: change something a little to make it work.
For A2 learners, 'adjustment' means a minor modification to improve a situation. You might hear it when talking about clothes—like 'adjusting' a belt. As a noun, it describes the act of doing this. 'The adjustment of the volume made the music better.' It is also used when you start something new. If you move to a new school, you need time for adjustment. This means you need time to feel comfortable. You are changing your habits to fit the new place. It’s a very useful word because it sounds more professional than just saying 'change'. You use it when the change is small and has a specific purpose, like making something fit or work correctly.
At the B1 level, 'adjustment' is used to describe both physical and situational changes. Physically, it refers to the fine-tuning of machines or objects. 'He made a slight adjustment to the camera lens to get a clearer picture.' Situationally, it refers to the process of adapting to new circumstances. 'The adjustment to working from home was difficult at first.' You should notice that we often use 'to' after adjustment. It is a key word in work environments where processes are always being improved. It implies a level of control and precision. Instead of saying 'we changed the plan', saying 'we made some adjustments to the plan' suggests that the original plan was mostly good but needed some small improvements.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'adjustment' in a variety of contexts, including technical, financial, and psychological. It often appears in formal reports or academic texts. You should understand collocations like 'structural adjustment', 'seasonal adjustment', and 'period of adjustment'. For example, 'The company underwent a major structural adjustment to increase efficiency.' In psychology, 'adjustment' refers to the mental health and social harmony of an individual. A 'well-adjusted' person is someone who can handle life's challenges effectively. You should also be able to distinguish 'adjustment' from similar words like 'modification' or 'adaptation', recognizing that 'adjustment' often implies a corrective or optimizing intent.
For C1 learners, 'adjustment' carries nuanced meanings in specialized fields. In economics, 'market adjustments' describe how prices change to reach equilibrium. In law, 'claims adjustment' involves investigating insurance claims to determine the correct payout. You should use the word to describe complex processes of calibration. For instance, 'The subtle adjustment of the narrative tone allowed the author to appeal to a wider audience.' It also appears in the context of social justice, such as 'reasonable adjustments' in the workplace for people with disabilities. At this level, you should use the word to convey precision, suggesting that the change made was the result of careful analysis and was intended to achieve a specific, balanced outcome.
At the C2 level, you can use 'adjustment' to discuss abstract concepts of balance and systemic change. You might analyze the 'fine adjustment' of a philosophical argument or the 'macroeconomic adjustments' required by a global crisis. The word becomes a tool for describing the constant, dynamic process of maintaining stability in complex systems. You might use it in a metaphorical sense, such as 'the slow adjustment of the national psyche to a post-industrial reality.' You should be able to manipulate the word within complex sentence structures, using it to denote everything from the most minute mechanical tweak to the most profound shifts in human behavior or societal norms, always emphasizing the purposeful and corrective nature of the change.

adjustment in 30 Seconds

  • Adjustment means making small, purposeful changes to improve how something works or fits, whether it is a physical object like a machine or a conceptual plan.
  • It also describes the psychological journey of adapting to a new environment, such as moving to a different country or starting a challenging new career path.
  • Commonly used in technical, financial, and medical fields, it implies a sense of precision, calibration, and intentionality rather than a random or total transformation.
  • Key collocations include 'making an adjustment', 'period of adjustment', and 'slight adjustment', often followed by the preposition 'to' when indicating the object being changed.

The term adjustment is a versatile noun that describes the act of making a small, often precise change to something to achieve a desired result. It is not just about change in a general sense; it implies a sense of calibration, fine-tuning, or adaptation to specific circumstances. In technical fields, an adjustment might involve turning a screw to focus a lens or shifting a budget to account for unexpected costs. In a psychological or social context, it refers to the internal process an individual undergoes when moving to a new country, starting a new job, or entering a new phase of life. This 'period of adjustment' is crucial for mental well-being and successful integration into new environments.

Technical Calibration
This refers to the physical or systematic modification of equipment or software. For instance, a mechanic might make an adjustment to the engine's timing to improve fuel efficiency. In digital photography, an adjustment to the exposure can save a photo that was taken in poor lighting.
Psychological Adaptation
This describes the mental and emotional process of getting used to something new. When a student moves from high school to university, they undergo a significant adjustment in terms of their study habits, social circles, and level of independence.
Financial Correction
In economics and accounting, an adjustment is a change made to a price, an interest rate, or a financial record to reflect current market conditions or to correct an error. A cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is a common example where salaries are increased to match inflation.

The telescope required a fine adjustment before the stars became clearly visible to the observers.

Moving to a new city is always a big adjustment, but you will eventually feel at home here.

The central bank announced a minor adjustment to interest rates to curb the rising inflation.

After the feedback from the pilot, the engineers made an adjustment to the wing flaps for better stability.

The chiropractor performed a spinal adjustment to relieve the patient's chronic back pain.

When we talk about adjustment, we often imply a goal. We don't just change things for the sake of change; we adjust them so they work properly. This could be adjusting your seat in a car for comfort, adjusting your expectations when a project takes longer than planned, or adjusting a recipe because you are missing an ingredient. The word carries a connotation of precision and intentionality. It is a fundamental part of human resilience—our ability to make adjustments to our behavior or environment is what allows us to survive and thrive in a constantly changing world. Whether it is a physical adjustment of a machine or a social adjustment to a new culture, the core idea remains the same: a purposeful modification to achieve harmony, functionality, or balance.

Using the word adjustment correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. It often follows verbs like 'make', 'require', 'undergo', or 'perform'. Depending on the context, it can be a countable noun (making an adjustment) or an uncountable noun (the process of adjustment). When describing a change that is small but significant, we often use adjectives like 'slight', 'minor', 'fine', or 'subtle'. Conversely, for large changes, we use 'major', 'significant', or 'drastic'.

Verb + Adjustment
Common combinations include 'make an adjustment' (general), 'undergo adjustment' (experiencing a change), and 'seek an adjustment' (requesting a change). For example: 'The technicians had to make several adjustments to the software before the launch.'
Adjective + Adjustment
Words like 'seasonal', 'structural', 'emotional', and 'mechanical' specify the type of adjustment. 'The seasonal adjustment of data helps economists see long-term trends without being distracted by holiday spikes.'

We need to make a slight adjustment to the schedule to accommodate the guest speaker.

The patient is still undergoing a period of adjustment after the surgery.

The company announced a significant adjustment in its quarterly earnings report.

In professional writing, especially in business and science, 'adjustment' is preferred over 'change' because it sounds more technical and controlled. Saying 'we changed the data' might imply manipulation or error, whereas 'we made an adjustment to the data' suggests a legitimate, calculated correction. In a social context, saying someone is 'well-adjusted' is a high compliment, meaning they are mentally healthy and able to deal with the demands of life. Conversely, 'maladjusted' is a clinical term for someone who struggles to fit into social norms. Understanding these nuances allows you to use 'adjustment' not just as a synonym for change, but as a precise tool for describing specific types of modifications and adaptations.

You will encounter the word adjustment in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the highly technical to the deeply personal. In the workplace, it is a staple of project management and human resources. In the domestic sphere, it relates to lifestyle and home maintenance. In the media, it is frequently used in economic and political reporting.

In the Office
'We've had to make some adjustments to the project timeline due to the delay in shipping.' Managers use this to sound professional while delivering news about changes in plans.
In Healthcare
'The doctor suggested a dosage adjustment for your medication.' Pharmacists and doctors use this to describe fine-tuning a treatment plan based on a patient's reaction.
In Sports
'The coach made some tactical adjustments at halftime that completely changed the game.' Commentators use this to describe how a team reacts to their opponent's strategy.

'The pilot is making a final adjustment to our flight path to avoid the storm ahead.'

'I think I need an adjustment on my glasses; the vision in my left eye seems a bit blurry.'

Whether you are listening to a financial podcast discussing 'market adjustments,' reading a manual for a new dishwasher that requires 'leveling adjustments,' or talking to a friend about the 'adjustment' of having a new baby, the word is everywhere. It bridges the gap between the mechanical and the emotional, making it one of the most useful nouns in the English language for describing the nuances of change. It implies that while the core structure remains, the details are being optimized for better results.

While 'adjustment' is a common word, it is frequently misused or confused with similar terms. The most common error is using it when a more drastic word like 'transformation' or 'revolution' is required, or conversely, using 'change' when 'adjustment' would be more precise. Another common mistake involves the misuse of prepositions or confusing the noun with its verb form 'adjust'.

Adjustment vs. Adaptation
While similar, 'adaptation' often implies a more permanent or biological change (e.g., animals adapting to their environment). 'Adjustment' is usually more temporary or intentional (e.g., adjusting the thermostat). You adjust a machine; you adapt to a climate.
Adjustment vs. Correction
A 'correction' implies that something was wrong or broken. An 'adjustment' doesn't necessarily mean there was an error; it might just mean things could be better. If you adjust your tie, it wasn't necessarily 'wrong', just not perfect.

Incorrect: 'I need to make an adjustment of my plans.'
Correct: 'I need to make an adjustment to my plans.'

Learners also sometimes confuse 'adjustment' (the noun) with 'adjustable' (the adjective). You make an adjustment to an adjustable chair. Ensure you are using the noun form when you are talking about the act or the process itself. Furthermore, in psychological contexts, avoid saying someone 'is an adjustment'; instead, say they 'are making an adjustment' or 'are well-adjusted'. Precision in these small details will make your English sound much more natural and professional.

To truly master the word adjustment, it is helpful to know its synonyms and how they differ in register and nuance. Depending on whether you are talking about a machine, a person's feelings, or a legal document, a different word might be more appropriate.

Modification
This is a very close synonym often used in technical or formal contexts. 'The car underwent several modifications for the race.' Modification often implies a more structural change than a simple adjustment.
Tweak
An informal, colloquial alternative. 'I just need to make a few tweaks to the design.' It implies a very small, quick adjustment, usually at the final stage of a project.
Alteration
Commonly used in the context of clothing. 'The suit needs some alterations before the wedding.' It suggests changing the size or shape of something to make it fit.

While 'adjustment' is neutral, 'refinement' suggests making something more elegant or sophisticated.

When choosing between these words, consider the scale of the change and the tone of your conversation. In a business meeting, 'strategic adjustment' sounds proactive and intelligent. In a casual conversation about a recipe, 'a little tweak' sounds more natural. By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives, you can express the specific nature of a change with much greater clarity and impact.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The word originally had more to do with 'justice' and 'fairness' (making things right) than with mechanical 'tweaking'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /əˈdʒʌst.mənt/
US /əˈdʒʌst.mənt/
The stress is on the second syllable: ad-JUST-ment.
Rhymes With
Investment Divestment Assessment Arrestment Vestment Enlistment Resentment Contentment
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'd' too heavily; it should blend into the 'j'.
  • Stressing the first syllable (AD-just-ment) which is incorrect.
  • Making the 'ment' sound like 'mean-t'.
  • Confusing it with 'adjustment' (adding an extra 'e' sound).
  • Dropping the 's' in the middle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in news and manuals, making it moderately easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of the preposition 'to' and correct collocations.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the stress is learned.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Adjust Change Small Fix Better

Learn Next

Modification Adaptation Calibration Equilibrium Refinement

Advanced

Homeostasis Acclimatization Reconciliation Rectification Modulation

Grammar to Know

Nouns from Verbs

The verb 'adjust' becomes the noun 'adjustment' by adding the suffix '-ment'.

Prepositional Choice

Always use 'adjustment TO' when referring to the thing being changed.

Countability

'Adjustment' can be countable ('three adjustments') or uncountable ('the need for adjustment').

Attributive Nouns

Adjustment can act as an adjective in phrases like 'adjustment period'.

Compound Adjectives

Use a hyphen when the adjective comes before the noun: 'well-adjusted child'.

Examples by Level

1

I made an adjustment to my chair.

I changed my chair a little.

Noun after 'made an'.

2

She needs a small adjustment to her dress.

Her dress needs a small fix.

Adjective + Noun.

3

The adjustment of the light helped me see.

Changing the light helped.

Noun of Noun.

4

He made an adjustment to the clock.

He fixed the time a little.

Past tense verb + noun.

5

Please make an adjustment to the volume.

Turn the sound up or down.

Imperative sentence.

6

Is the adjustment finished?

Is the small change done?

Subject of a question.

7

I like the adjustment you made.

I like the small change.

Noun + relative clause.

8

The adjustment was very easy.

The change was not hard.

Subject + was + adjective.

1

The adjustment to the new school took time.

Getting used to school was slow.

Adjustment to + noun.

2

We need to make an adjustment to the price.

The price must change a little.

Infinitive phrase.

3

The bike seat needs a quick adjustment.

The seat needs to be moved.

Compound noun phrase.

4

She made a minor adjustment to the recipe.

She changed the food a little.

Minor + adjustment.

5

The adjustment made the car safer.

The change helped the car.

Noun as subject.

6

He is happy with the adjustment.

He likes the change.

Prepositional object.

7

They made a final adjustment before the show.

One last change.

Final + adjustment.

8

The adjustment of the mirror was necessary.

Moving the mirror was needed.

Formal structure.

1

The adjustment to living in a cold climate is difficult.

Adapting to cold is hard.

Gerund after preposition.

2

The mechanic made a fine adjustment to the engine.

The engine was tuned precisely.

Precision adjective.

3

This policy requires a slight adjustment.

The rule needs a tiny change.

Transitive verb + object.

4

The adjustment period for new employees is three months.

The time to get used to work.

Adjustment as an attributive noun.

5

She sought an adjustment to her working hours.

She asked for a change in time.

Formal verb 'sought'.

6

The adjustment of the telescope took several hours.

Setting up the telescope was slow.

Duration phrase.

7

Without this adjustment, the experiment would fail.

The change was vital.

Conditional context.

8

He made an adjustment to his tie in the mirror.

He fixed his tie.

Reflexive context.

1

The central bank's adjustment of interest rates was unexpected.

The bank changed the rates.

Possessive + noun + of.

2

She showed remarkable adjustment to her new surroundings.

She adapted very well.

Adjustment as a psychological trait.

3

The budget needs a significant adjustment to cover the deficit.

We need a big change in money.

Significant + adjustment.

4

The chiropractor performed a manual adjustment on my back.

The doctor moved my spine.

Medical terminology.

5

We must make an adjustment for inflation when calculating profit.

Account for rising prices.

Adjustment for + noun.

6

The software update includes a minor adjustment to the user interface.

A small UI change.

Inclusion context.

7

The adjustment of the data set was necessary for accuracy.

The data was corrected.

Scientific precision.

8

He struggled with the social adjustment after moving abroad.

He found the culture change hard.

Social + adjustment.

1

The structural adjustment of the economy led to long-term growth.

Changing the economic system.

Macroeconomic term.

2

Her adjustment to the loss of her sight was inspiringly resilient.

Adapting to blindness.

Abstract noun phrase.

3

The fine adjustment of the instrument is critical for the experiment's success.

Very precise tuning.

Emphasis on precision.

4

Reasonable adjustments must be made for employees with disabilities.

Legal changes for access.

Legal/HR terminology.

5

The internal adjustment of the company's goals confused the staff.

Changing the focus inside.

Internal + adjustment.

6

The adjustment of the lens was automated to ensure perfect focus.

Self-fixing lens.

Passive voice.

7

He made a psychological adjustment to the idea of retirement.

He changed his mind about stopping work.

Psychological + adjustment.

8

The tax adjustment will be applied to next year's filings.

The tax change is for later.

Future passive.

1

The tectonic adjustment caused a series of minor tremors.

Earth plates moving.

Geological context.

2

There is a delicate adjustment between liberty and security in any society.

A balance between two things.

Philosophical nuance.

3

The systematic adjustment of the algorithms led to unforeseen biases.

Changing AI code caused problems.

Technical/Critical context.

4

The adjustment of the patient's perspective was the goal of the therapy.

Changing how they see things.

Psychotherapeutic context.

5

The seasonal adjustment of employment figures can mask underlying trends.

Changing data for seasons.

Statistical nuance.

6

A radical adjustment in our approach to climate change is imperative.

We must change everything.

Radical + adjustment.

7

The adjustment of the sails required immense strength in the gale.

Moving sails in a storm.

Physical/Nautical context.

8

The subtle adjustment of his rhetoric won over the skeptical audience.

Changing his speech slightly.

Rhetorical precision.

Synonyms

modification alteration adaptation correction refinement regulation

Antonyms

preservation stagnation fixity

Common Collocations

make an adjustment
slight adjustment
period of adjustment
structural adjustment
minor adjustment
seasonal adjustment
social adjustment
fine adjustment
necessary adjustment
automatic adjustment

Common Phrases

In need of adjustment

— Something that is not working correctly and needs a small change.

The brakes are in need of adjustment.

Subject to adjustment

— Something that might be changed later based on new information.

The schedule is subject to adjustment.

Cost-of-living adjustment

— An increase in income to keep up with inflation.

Our union is fighting for a cost-of-living adjustment.

Make the adjustment

— To successfully adapt to a new situation.

It took him a while to make the adjustment to fatherhood.

Fine adjustment

— A very small and precise change.

The microscope has a knob for fine adjustment.

Market adjustment

— A change in prices caused by supply and demand.

The car dealer added a market adjustment to the price.

Emotional adjustment

— The process of dealing with feelings after a change.

Emotional adjustment after a breakup takes time.

Price adjustment

— A change in the cost of something.

We have made a price adjustment due to higher costs.

Reasonable adjustment

— A legal term for changes made to help disabled people.

The office made a reasonable adjustment by installing a ramp.

Manual adjustment

— A change made by hand rather than automatically.

The camera allows for manual adjustment of the shutter speed.

Often Confused With

adjustment vs Adaptation

Adaptation is usually a bigger, more permanent change to fit an environment. Adjustment is smaller and more specific.

adjustment vs Correction

Correction implies fixing a mistake. Adjustment implies improving something that might already be okay.

adjustment vs Alteration

Alteration is specifically for changing the physical form of something, like clothes.

Idioms & Expressions

"A period of adjustment"

— A time during which one gets used to a new situation.

After the promotion, she went through a period of adjustment.

Neutral
"Adjust your sights"

— To change your goals or expectations based on reality.

He had to adjust his sights after failing the exam.

Informal
"Fine-tune the details"

— To make small adjustments to make something perfect.

Let's fine-tune the details of the contract.

Business
"Tweak the system"

— To make small adjustments to a process to improve it.

They are tweaking the system to make it faster.

Informal
"Level the playing field"

— To make an adjustment so that everyone has an equal chance.

The new law will level the playing field for small businesses.

Metaphorical
"Shift gears"

— To make a mental adjustment to a new task or topic.

We need to shift gears and talk about the budget now.

Informal
"Roll with the punches"

— To make quick adjustments to deal with difficulties.

In this job, you have to learn to roll with the punches.

Informal
"Change your tune"

— To make an adjustment in your opinion or attitude.

He changed his tune once he saw the evidence.

Informal
"Clear the air"

— To make an adjustment in a relationship by talking about problems.

We had a meeting to clear the air and move forward.

Neutral
"Back to the drawing board"

— When an adjustment isn't enough and you need to start over.

The plan failed, so it's back to the drawing board.

Informal

Easily Confused

adjustment vs Adjust

It is the verb form.

Adjust is the action; adjustment is the result or the process.

I will adjust the seat; the adjustment is done.

adjustment vs Adjustable

It is the adjective form.

Adjustable describes something that *can* be changed.

The chair is adjustable, so I made an adjustment.

adjustment vs Justification

Similar root word 'just'.

Justification is giving a reason; adjustment is making a change.

He gave a justification for the adjustment.

adjustment vs Adoption

Similar sound.

Adoption is taking something as your own; adjustment is changing something.

The adoption of the new law required an adjustment in our behavior.

adjustment vs Adjunction

Very similar spelling.

Adjunction is adding something; adjustment is changing something.

The adjunction of a new wing to the building was a major project.

Sentence Patterns

A2

I need to make a [adjective] adjustment to [noun].

I need to make a small adjustment to my plan.

B1

The [noun] requires [adjective] adjustment.

The machine requires regular adjustment.

B2

After a period of adjustment, [clause].

After a period of adjustment, I began to enjoy the new job.

B2

Making an adjustment for [noun] is necessary.

Making an adjustment for inflation is necessary.

C1

The [adjective] adjustment of [noun] resulted in [noun].

The structural adjustment of the economy resulted in growth.

C1

Subject to [adjective] adjustment.

The prices are subject to seasonal adjustment.

C2

A delicate adjustment between [noun] and [noun].

A delicate adjustment between cost and quality.

C2

Resistant to [noun] adjustment.

The system is resistant to external adjustment.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

High in written English, especially in business, science, and psychology.

Common Mistakes
  • I made an adjust to the clock. I made an adjustment to the clock.

    You must use the noun form after 'made an'.

  • The adjustment of my new job was hard. The adjustment to my new job was hard.

    Use the preposition 'to' for situations you are adapting to.

  • He is a very adjustment person. He is a very well-adjusted person.

    'Adjustment' is a noun; you need the adjective 'well-adjusted' to describe a person.

  • I need to make a big transformation to the recipe. I need to make a small adjustment to the recipe.

    'Transformation' is too strong for a recipe change; 'adjustment' is better.

  • The machine needs adjustmenting. The machine needs adjustment.

    'Adjustment' is a noun and cannot take an '-ing' ending.

Tips

Use with 'to'

Always remember the pattern 'adjustment to'. Example: 'An adjustment to the plan.'

Precision

Use 'adjustment' when the change is small. If the change is huge, use 'transformation'.

Professionalism

Say 'I made some adjustments' instead of 'I changed some things' in emails.

Mental Health

A 'period of adjustment' is a normal part of life transitions. Don't rush it.

Calibration

In manuals, 'fine adjustment' usually means a very tiny, precise turn of a knob.

Inflation

Look for 'COLA' (Cost of Living Adjustment) in job offers to see if your pay grows.

Avoid Clutter

Don't say 'a small minor adjustment' because 'minor' already means small.

Stress

Focus on the middle: ad-JUST-ment. This makes you sound more natural.

Noun vs Verb

If you have 'make an', you must use 'adjustment'. If you have 'I will', use 'adjust'.

Common Pairs

Learn 'slight adjustment' and 'major adjustment' as single units of meaning.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'AD-JUST-MENT': You 'ADD' a 'JUST' (correct) 'MENT' (movement) to fix something.

Visual Association

Imagine a person turning a tiny screw on a pair of glasses to make them fit perfectly.

Word Web

Calibration Adaptation Change Fitting Tuning Correction Modification Alignment

Challenge

Try to use 'adjustment' in three different contexts today: one about an object, one about a plan, and one about a feeling.

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'ajuster', which means 'to bring to a right state'. This comes from the Latin 'ad-' (to) and 'juxta' (near), or influenced by 'iustus' (just/right).

Original meaning: The original meaning was related to bringing things into a correct or 'just' arrangement.

Romance/Latinate.

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'maladjusted' to describe people, as it can sound clinical or insulting.

Commonly used in therapy and HR to describe how people cope with change.

The Adjustment Bureau (Movie/Story by Philip K. Dick) Structural Adjustment Programs (SAPs) in global economics Chiropractic adjustments in alternative medicine

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mechanical/Technical

  • Fine adjustment
  • Manual adjustment
  • Adjustment screw
  • Calibration adjustment

Psychological/Social

  • Period of adjustment
  • Well-adjusted
  • Social adjustment
  • Adjustment disorder

Financial/Business

  • Price adjustment
  • Market adjustment
  • Structural adjustment
  • Budgetary adjustment

Medical

  • Spinal adjustment
  • Dosage adjustment
  • Adjustment to treatment
  • Visual adjustment

Daily Life

  • Seat adjustment
  • Adjustment to the schedule
  • Minor adjustment
  • Volume adjustment

Conversation Starters

"How long was your period of adjustment when you first moved to this city?"

"Do you think the government needs to make an adjustment to the current tax laws?"

"What is one small adjustment you've made to your daily routine that improved your life?"

"Have you ever had to make a major adjustment to your career plans?"

"Do you prefer manual adjustment on your camera, or do you let the computer do it?"

Journal Prompts

Reflect on a time you had to undergo a significant psychological adjustment. What helped you get through it?

Write about a project that required many small adjustments. Was the final result better because of them?

If you could make one adjustment to the way your city is designed, what would it be and why?

Describe the process of adjustment you experience when starting a new hobby or learning a new skill.

How do you feel about 'market adjustments' in the prices of things you buy regularly?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is generally positive or neutral, as it implies improvement or successful adaptation.

Yes, to describe their mental state ('well-adjusted') or their process of getting used to something.

It is an increase in pay to match the rising cost of goods and services.

'Readjustment' implies adjusting something for the second time or returning to a previous state.

You can say, 'The mechanic made an adjustment to the brakes.'

Yes, it is more formal than 'tweak' or 'fix' but less formal than 'rectification'.

No, 'adjust' is the verb. 'Adjustment' is only a noun.

It refers to how well a person fits into their society or community.

Yes, for calibrating instruments and correcting data sets.

Legal changes made by employers to help employees with disabilities work effectively.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence about making an adjustment to a bicycle.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a period of adjustment you have experienced in your life.

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writing

Explain why a company might make a 'price adjustment'.

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writing

Write a formal email requesting an adjustment to your work schedule.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Discuss the importance of 'social adjustment' for immigrants.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Compare 'adjustment' and 'adaptation' in a short paragraph.

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writing

Write a dialogue between a mechanic and a customer using the word 'adjustment'.

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writing

How would you use 'adjustment' in a scientific report about data?

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writing

Write a sentence using 'well-adjusted'.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'adjustment period'.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe how to make an adjustment to the brightness on a phone.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a short story about a character who struggles with adjustment.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

What 'reasonable adjustments' should a school make for students?

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writing

Use 'adjustment' in a sentence about a telescope.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'market adjustment'.

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writing

Explain the phrase 'adjust your sights' in your own words.

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'seasonal adjustment' in employment.

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writing

How do you feel during a 'period of adjustment'?

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writing

Write a sentence about a 'manual adjustment'.

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writing

Describe a 'fine adjustment' you had to make recently.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Talk about a time you had to make an adjustment to your plans.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain how you feel during a 'period of adjustment'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe how to make an adjustment to a bicycle seat.

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Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of 'market adjustments' in prices.

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speaking

How do you help a friend with their 'social adjustment' in a new city?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain 'cost-of-living adjustment' to a child.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss a 'structural adjustment' you would make to your country.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Tell a story about a 'fine adjustment' that saved a project.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How do you stay 'well-adjusted' in a stressful job?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe the 'adjustment' of moving from school to work.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

What is a 'reasonable adjustment' in a workplace?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Talk about an 'adjustment' you made to your diet.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain the difference between 'adjustment' and 'change'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss 'adjustment disorder' and how it affects people.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Talk about a 'price adjustment' you noticed recently.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe the 'adjustment' of becoming a parent.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

How do you make an 'adjustment' to your schedule for a holiday?

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Talk about the 'adjustment' needed for learning a new language.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain 'seasonal adjustment' in your own words.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Discuss the 'tectonic adjustment' of the earth's plates.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for the word 'adjustment' in a news clip about the economy. What was the context?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a mechanic describe a car problem. Did they mention an 'adjustment'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a friend talk about their new job. How are they 'adjusting'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a weather report. Is there a 'seasonal adjustment' mentioned?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a doctor explain a medication change. Did they say 'dosage adjustment'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a pilot's announcement. Was there a 'course adjustment'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a podcast about psychology. How do they define 'well-adjusted'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a tutorial on photo editing. Where is the 'adjustment layer'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a sports coach at halftime. What 'adjustments' did they plan?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a commercial for a chair. What parts are 'adjustable'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a lecture on history. Was there a 'territorial adjustment'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen for 'adjustment' in a conversation about a dress.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a budget meeting. What 'adjustments' were made?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to a science experiment description. Why was 'fine adjustment' needed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to an interview with an immigrant. How was their 'period of adjustment'?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
error correction

I made an adjust to the machine.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: I made an adjustment to the machine.
error correction

He needs a period of adjust.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: He needs a period of adjustment.
error correction

The adjustment of the climate was hard.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The adjustment to the climate was hard.
error correction

They are making major adjustments for the project.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: They are making major adjustments to the project.
error correction

She is a well-adjustment girl.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: She is a well-adjusted girl.
error correction

There was a price adjust yesterday.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: There was a price adjustment yesterday.
error correction

The machine requires regular adjust.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The machine requires regular adjustment.
error correction

I need to adjustment my seat.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: I need to adjust my seat.
error correction

He make an adjustment to the clock.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: He made an adjustment to the clock.
error correction

Is there an adjustment screw for this?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: Is there an adjustment screw for this?

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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More Work words

abformize

C1

To structure or give a specific, standardized form to an object, idea, or process, often based on a pre-existing model or mold. It is frequently used in technical or theoretical contexts to describe the transition from an amorphous state to a defined configuration.

abmissery

C1

To formally discharge or release an individual from a specific duty, mission, or administrative post, typically due to a failure to meet requirements or an organizational change. It implies a structured removal from a position of responsibility before the natural conclusion of a term.

abregship

C1

To systematically condense, streamline, or narrow the scope of duties and authorities inherent in a formal leadership position or institutional office. This verb is typically used in the context of organizational restructuring to describe the reduction of a role's breadth to increase efficiency.

absigntude

C1

To formally and publicly relinquish a position of authority or a professional responsibility, specifically as an act of moral or ethical protest. This verb implies that the departure is accompanied by a documented statement of principles or a refusal to comply with compromised standards.

accomplishment

B2

An accomplishment is something that has been achieved successfully, especially through hard work, skill, or perseverance. It refers both to the act of finishing a task and the successful result itself.

achievement

C1

A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. In an academic or professional context, it refers to the act of reaching a specific level of performance or completing a significant milestone.

adantiary

C1

To strategically adjust or modify an existing plan, process, or structure in anticipation of specific future obstacles or changes. This verb describes the proactive act of refining a strategy before a problem actually occurs.

adept

C1

Highly skilled or proficient at a task that requires specific knowledge or practice. It describes a person who can perform complex actions with ease and precision.

adflexship

C1

To strategically and dynamically adapt one's professional approach or methodology by flexibly integrating new skills or environmental shifts. It describes the active process of mastering situational changes to maintain a competitive or functional advantage.

adhument

C1

To provide support, assistance, or reinforcement to a person, organization, or project. It specifically refers to the act of strengthening an existing foundation or effort through additional resources or effort.

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