Word
adjustable
Phoneticsad·justable
US/əˈdʒəstəbəɫ/
UK/ɐdʒˈʌstəbəl/
Definition
adj. able to be changed in size, position, or level to fit your needs.
adj. capable of being modified or regulated to achieve a desired fit, function, or state.
Examples
“The height of this office chair is adjustable.”
“Most modern car seats are fully adjustable to ensure the driver remains comfortable during long journeys.”
“The telescope features an adjustable lens mount, allowing astronomers to fine-tune the focus with extreme precision regardless of atmospheric conditions.”
Examples
simple
“The height of this office chair is adjustable.”
contextual
“Most modern car seats are fully adjustable to ensure the driver remains comfortable during long journeys.”
complex
“The telescope features an adjustable lens mount, allowing astronomers to fine-tune the focus with extreme precision regardless of atmospheric conditions.”
Usage
Typically used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'is' or 'seems'.
Teaching 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.
Etymology
From adjust + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/adjustable