# adjusting

/əˈdʒəstɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐdʒˈʌstɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/adjusting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. changing something slightly

verb · CEFR B1

making small changes to something so that it works correctly or fits better.

For teachers: modifying a mechanism, setting, or object to achieve accuracy, comfort, or a desired state.

- He spent a few minutes adjusting the seat until he was comfortable.
- The technician spent the afternoon adjusting the delicate internal sensors to ensure the readings remained consistent under high pressure.

Usage: often used with a direct object like 'settings', 'volume', or 'straps'.

### 2. getting used to something

verb · CEFR B2

changing your behaviour or ideas to fit a new situation.

For teachers: adapting oneself to new conditions or a different environment.

- Adjusting to a new job can be stressful for the first few weeks.
- After living in a tropical climate for a decade, she found herself adjusting with difficulty to the harsh, grey winters of northern Europe.

Usage: frequently followed by the preposition 'to'.

### 3. the process of change

noun · CEFR B2

the act of making a small change or the process of getting used to something.

For teachers: the action or process of modifying something or adapting to a situation; used as a gerund noun.

- The constant adjusting of the schedule made it hard to plan the week.
- The fine adjusting of the lens required a steady hand and significant patience from the photographer.

## Examples

- He is adjusting his tie in the mirror.
- The technician is currently adjusting the machine settings to ensure the output meets the new quality standards.
- After moving to a different climate, she found herself slowly adjusting to the shorter daylight hours and the significant drop in evening temperatures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.