Word
adjustment
Meanings
a small change made to improve something, correct it, or make it suitable
the process of becoming used to a new situation or set of conditions
a change to an amount or figure to make it more accurate or appropriate
Definition
An adjustment is a small change made to improve something or make it fit a new situation.
An adjustment is a modification you make when something needs to work better, fit properly, or match new conditions. It can be a practical change, like altering settings on a device, or a personal change, like getting used to a new routine. In many contexts, it suggests a careful, often minor change rather than a complete replacement.
Examples
- I made a quick adjustment to the chair height, and my back felt better during the long meeting.
- You may need a small adjustment to your schedule if the train runs late again.
- He accepted the adjustment to the project scope after the client clarified the priorities.
- She found the adjustment to remote work easier once she established a clear morning routine.
- They requested an adjustment to the forecast because the latest data changed the trend.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse adjustment (a change) with adaptation (a broader process) and use adjustment when they mean a major transformation.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More nouns
- fascism Fascism is an extreme right-wing political system with a powerful dictator, strong nationalism, and…
- gaslighting Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that makes someone doubt their own memory, judg…
- narcissist A narcissist is someone who is excessively self-centered and craves admiration while showing little…
- empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings.
- metaphor A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else to create a clear image …