adjustment
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?
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Fun Fact
The word originally had more to do with 'justice' and 'fairness' (making things right) than with mechanical 'tweaking'.
Pronunciation Guide
- 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
The word is common in news and manuals, making it moderately easy to recognize.
Requires knowledge of the preposition 'to' and correct collocations.
Pronunciation is straightforward once the stress is learned.
Clear pronunciation makes it easy to hear in most contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
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
I made an adjustment to my chair.
I changed my chair a little.
Noun after 'made an'.
She needs a small adjustment to her dress.
Her dress needs a small fix.
Adjective + Noun.
The adjustment of the light helped me see.
Changing the light helped.
Noun of Noun.
He made an adjustment to the clock.
He fixed the time a little.
Past tense verb + noun.
Please make an adjustment to the volume.
Turn the sound up or down.
Imperative sentence.
Is the adjustment finished?
Is the small change done?
Subject of a question.
I like the adjustment you made.
I like the small change.
Noun + relative clause.
The adjustment was very easy.
The change was not hard.
Subject + was + adjective.
The adjustment to the new school took time.
Getting used to school was slow.
Adjustment to + noun.
We need to make an adjustment to the price.
The price must change a little.
Infinitive phrase.
The bike seat needs a quick adjustment.
The seat needs to be moved.
Compound noun phrase.
She made a minor adjustment to the recipe.
She changed the food a little.
Minor + adjustment.
The adjustment made the car safer.
The change helped the car.
Noun as subject.
He is happy with the adjustment.
He likes the change.
Prepositional object.
They made a final adjustment before the show.
One last change.
Final + adjustment.
The adjustment of the mirror was necessary.
Moving the mirror was needed.
Formal structure.
The adjustment to living in a cold climate is difficult.
Adapting to cold is hard.
Gerund after preposition.
The mechanic made a fine adjustment to the engine.
The engine was tuned precisely.
Precision adjective.
This policy requires a slight adjustment.
The rule needs a tiny change.
Transitive verb + object.
The adjustment period for new employees is three months.
The time to get used to work.
Adjustment as an attributive noun.
She sought an adjustment to her working hours.
She asked for a change in time.
Formal verb 'sought'.
The adjustment of the telescope took several hours.
Setting up the telescope was slow.
Duration phrase.
Without this adjustment, the experiment would fail.
The change was vital.
Conditional context.
He made an adjustment to his tie in the mirror.
He fixed his tie.
Reflexive context.
The central bank's adjustment of interest rates was unexpected.
The bank changed the rates.
Possessive + noun + of.
She showed remarkable adjustment to her new surroundings.
She adapted very well.
Adjustment as a psychological trait.
The budget needs a significant adjustment to cover the deficit.
We need a big change in money.
Significant + adjustment.
The chiropractor performed a manual adjustment on my back.
The doctor moved my spine.
Medical terminology.
We must make an adjustment for inflation when calculating profit.
Account for rising prices.
Adjustment for + noun.
The software update includes a minor adjustment to the user interface.
A small UI change.
Inclusion context.
The adjustment of the data set was necessary for accuracy.
The data was corrected.
Scientific precision.
He struggled with the social adjustment after moving abroad.
He found the culture change hard.
Social + adjustment.
The structural adjustment of the economy led to long-term growth.
Changing the economic system.
Macroeconomic term.
Her adjustment to the loss of her sight was inspiringly resilient.
Adapting to blindness.
Abstract noun phrase.
The fine adjustment of the instrument is critical for the experiment's success.
Very precise tuning.
Emphasis on precision.
Reasonable adjustments must be made for employees with disabilities.
Legal changes for access.
Legal/HR terminology.
The internal adjustment of the company's goals confused the staff.
Changing the focus inside.
Internal + adjustment.
The adjustment of the lens was automated to ensure perfect focus.
Self-fixing lens.
Passive voice.
He made a psychological adjustment to the idea of retirement.
He changed his mind about stopping work.
Psychological + adjustment.
The tax adjustment will be applied to next year's filings.
The tax change is for later.
Future passive.
The tectonic adjustment caused a series of minor tremors.
Earth plates moving.
Geological context.
There is a delicate adjustment between liberty and security in any society.
A balance between two things.
Philosophical nuance.
The systematic adjustment of the algorithms led to unforeseen biases.
Changing AI code caused problems.
Technical/Critical context.
The adjustment of the patient's perspective was the goal of the therapy.
Changing how they see things.
Psychotherapeutic context.
The seasonal adjustment of employment figures can mask underlying trends.
Changing data for seasons.
Statistical nuance.
A radical adjustment in our approach to climate change is imperative.
We must change everything.
Radical + adjustment.
The adjustment of the sails required immense strength in the gale.
Moving sails in a storm.
Physical/Nautical context.
The subtle adjustment of his rhetoric won over the skeptical audience.
Changing his speech slightly.
Rhetorical precision.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Something that is not working correctly and needs a small change.
The brakes are in need of adjustment.
— Something that might be changed later based on new information.
The schedule is subject to adjustment.
— An increase in income to keep up with inflation.
Our union is fighting for a cost-of-living adjustment.
— To successfully adapt to a new situation.
It took him a while to make the adjustment to fatherhood.
— A change in prices caused by supply and demand.
The car dealer added a market adjustment to the price.
— The process of dealing with feelings after a change.
Emotional adjustment after a breakup takes time.
— A change in the cost of something.
We have made a price adjustment due to higher costs.
— A legal term for changes made to help disabled people.
The office made a reasonable adjustment by installing a ramp.
— A change made by hand rather than automatically.
The camera allows for manual adjustment of the shutter speed.
Often Confused With
Adaptation is usually a bigger, more permanent change to fit an environment. Adjustment is smaller and more specific.
Correction implies fixing a mistake. Adjustment implies improving something that might already be okay.
Alteration is specifically for changing the physical form of something, like clothes.
Idioms & Expressions
— A time during which one gets used to a new situation.
After the promotion, she went through a period of adjustment.
Neutral— To change your goals or expectations based on reality.
He had to adjust his sights after failing the exam.
Informal— To make small adjustments to make something perfect.
Let's fine-tune the details of the contract.
Business— To make small adjustments to a process to improve it.
They are tweaking the system to make it faster.
Informal— To make an adjustment so that everyone has an equal chance.
The new law will level the playing field for small businesses.
Metaphorical— To make a mental adjustment to a new task or topic.
We need to shift gears and talk about the budget now.
Informal— To make quick adjustments to deal with difficulties.
In this job, you have to learn to roll with the punches.
Informal— To make an adjustment in your opinion or attitude.
He changed his tune once he saw the evidence.
Informal— To make an adjustment in a relationship by talking about problems.
We had a meeting to clear the air and move forward.
Neutral— When an adjustment isn't enough and you need to start over.
The plan failed, so it's back to the drawing board.
InformalEasily Confused
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.
It is the adjective form.
Adjustable describes something that *can* be changed.
The chair is adjustable, so I made an adjustment.
Similar root word 'just'.
Justification is giving a reason; adjustment is making a change.
He gave a justification for the adjustment.
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.
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
I need to make a [adjective] adjustment to [noun].
I need to make a small adjustment to my plan.
The [noun] requires [adjective] adjustment.
The machine requires regular adjustment.
After a period of adjustment, [clause].
After a period of adjustment, I began to enjoy the new job.
Making an adjustment for [noun] is necessary.
Making an adjustment for inflation is necessary.
The [adjective] adjustment of [noun] resulted in [noun].
The structural adjustment of the economy resulted in growth.
Subject to [adjective] adjustment.
The prices are subject to seasonal adjustment.
A delicate adjustment between [noun] and [noun].
A delicate adjustment between cost and quality.
Resistant to [noun] adjustment.
The system is resistant to external adjustment.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High in written English, especially in business, science, and psychology.
-
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
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.
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 questionsIt 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
Write a sentence about making an adjustment to a bicycle.
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Describe a period of adjustment you have experienced in your life.
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Explain why a company might make a 'price adjustment'.
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Write a formal email requesting an adjustment to your work schedule.
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Discuss the importance of 'social adjustment' for immigrants.
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Compare 'adjustment' and 'adaptation' in a short paragraph.
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Write a dialogue between a mechanic and a customer using the word 'adjustment'.
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How would you use 'adjustment' in a scientific report about data?
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Write a sentence using 'well-adjusted'.
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Write a sentence using 'adjustment period'.
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Describe how to make an adjustment to the brightness on a phone.
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Write a short story about a character who struggles with adjustment.
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What 'reasonable adjustments' should a school make for students?
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Use 'adjustment' in a sentence about a telescope.
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Write a sentence about a 'market adjustment'.
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Explain the phrase 'adjust your sights' in your own words.
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Write a sentence about a 'seasonal adjustment' in employment.
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How do you feel during a 'period of adjustment'?
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Write a sentence about a 'manual adjustment'.
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Describe a 'fine adjustment' you had to make recently.
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Talk about a time you had to make an adjustment to your plans.
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Explain how you feel during a 'period of adjustment'.
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Describe how to make an adjustment to a bicycle seat.
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Discuss the pros and cons of 'market adjustments' in prices.
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How do you help a friend with their 'social adjustment' in a new city?
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Explain 'cost-of-living adjustment' to a child.
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Discuss a 'structural adjustment' you would make to your country.
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Tell a story about a 'fine adjustment' that saved a project.
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How do you stay 'well-adjusted' in a stressful job?
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Describe the 'adjustment' of moving from school to work.
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What is a 'reasonable adjustment' in a workplace?
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Talk about an 'adjustment' you made to your diet.
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Explain the difference between 'adjustment' and 'change'.
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Discuss 'adjustment disorder' and how it affects people.
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Talk about a 'price adjustment' you noticed recently.
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Describe the 'adjustment' of becoming a parent.
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How do you make an 'adjustment' to your schedule for a holiday?
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Talk about the 'adjustment' needed for learning a new language.
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Explain 'seasonal adjustment' in your own words.
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Discuss the 'tectonic adjustment' of the earth's plates.
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Listen for the word 'adjustment' in a news clip about the economy. What was the context?
Listen to a mechanic describe a car problem. Did they mention an 'adjustment'?
Listen to a friend talk about their new job. How are they 'adjusting'?
Listen to a weather report. Is there a 'seasonal adjustment' mentioned?
Listen to a doctor explain a medication change. Did they say 'dosage adjustment'?
Listen to a pilot's announcement. Was there a 'course adjustment'?
Listen to a podcast about psychology. How do they define 'well-adjusted'?
Listen to a tutorial on photo editing. Where is the 'adjustment layer'?
Listen to a sports coach at halftime. What 'adjustments' did they plan?
Listen to a commercial for a chair. What parts are 'adjustable'?
Listen to a lecture on history. Was there a 'territorial adjustment'?
Listen for 'adjustment' in a conversation about a dress.
Listen to a budget meeting. What 'adjustments' were made?
Listen to a science experiment description. Why was 'fine adjustment' needed?
Listen to an interview with an immigrant. How was their 'period of adjustment'?
I made an adjust to the machine.
He needs a period of adjust.
The adjustment of the climate was hard.
They are making major adjustments for the project.
She is a well-adjustment girl.
There was a price adjust yesterday.
The machine requires regular adjust.
I need to adjustment my seat.
He make an adjustment to the clock.
Is there an adjustment screw for this?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word adjustment is essential for describing the 'fine-tuning' of life. Whether you are performing a mechanical adjustment on a car engine or undergoing a psychological adjustment to a new lifestyle, it signifies a controlled, beneficial change intended to reach a state of balance or optimal performance.
- 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.
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.
Example
I need to make a small adjustment to the driver's seat before we leave.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Work words
abformize
C1To 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
C1To 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
C1To 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
C1To 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
B2An 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
C1A 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
C1To 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
C1Highly 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
C1To 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
C1To 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.