English Reference
Word adjective

adjustable

adj.
US /əˈdʒəstəbəɫ/ UK /ɐdʒˈʌstəbəl/ ad·justable
Definition
  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    able to be changed in size, position, or level to fit your needs.

    capable of being modified or regulated to achieve a desired fit, function, or state.

    Simple

    “The office chair has an adjustable seat so you can sit at the right height.”

    In context

    “The technician recommended an adjustable mounting bracket to ensure the solar panels could be tilted toward the sun as the seasons changed.”

    Usage

    Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems'.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often confuse this with 'adaptable'; explain that 'adjustable' usually refers to physical parts or settings, while 'adaptable' often refers to people or abstract systems.

    Synonyms
    flexibleadaptablevariable
    Antonyms
    fixedrigidpermanent
Etymology

From adjust + -able.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated