adjustment
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small change you make to something to improve it or make it more accurate.
a minor alteration or correction intended to enhance functionality, accuracy, or fit.
Simple“The mechanic made a quick adjustment to the brakes so the car would stop more smoothly.”
In context“The tailor suggested a slight adjustment to the waistline of the trousers to ensure a more comfortable fit during movement.”
UsageOften used with the verbs 'make' or 'require'.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the process of getting used to a new place, job, or way of living.
the psychological or behavioural process of adapting to new conditions or environmental changes.
Simple“Moving to a new country is a big adjustment for the whole family.”
In context“The transition from university to a full-time corporate role often requires a significant period of adjustment for young professionals.”
UsageCommonly follows the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the process of deciding how much money is owed for an insurance claim or a debt.
the formal assessment and settlement of an insurance claim or the balancing of a financial account.
Simple“The insurance company sent an expert to handle the adjustment of the fire damage claim.”
In context“The final adjustment of the accounts revealed a discrepancy that had been overlooked during the initial audit.”
Teacher's tipIn this context, an 'adjuster' is the professional who evaluates the value of the claim.
Synonyms
Usage require adjustment
“Of the many companies he spoke to, most “made adjustments to their diversity principles on account of legal and regulatory environments”.”
“Photograph: Anders Bjurö/TT/Shutterstock No one is expecting Uneken to match Ure’s numbers immediately and, if there is a period of adjustment, Sirius have plenty of breathing room.”
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂ey- Proto-Indo-European *h₂óyu Proto-Indo-European *h₂yew-der. Proto-Italic *jowos Proto-Indo-European *-tós Proto-Italic *-tos Proto-Italic *jowestos Old Latin iovestos Latin iūstusbor. Old French juste French juste French ajuster Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥tom Proto-Italic *-məntom Latin -mentum Old French -ment Middle French -ment French -ment French ajustementbor. English adjustment From French ajustement, or else adjust + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.