What does "adjustment" mean?

1. (a small change) a small change you make to something to improve it or make it more accurate. 2. (adapting to a situation) the process of getting used to a new place, job, or way of living. 3. (financial/insurance settlement) the process of deciding how much money is owed for an insurance claim or a debt.

How do you use "adjustment"?

Often used with the verbs 'make' or 'require'. Commonly follows the preposition 'to'.

adjustment

US //əˈdʒəstmənt// UK //ɐdʒˈʌstmənt// ad·just·ment

1 a small change (n.)
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.

Example

The mechanic made a quick adjustment to the brakes so the car would stop more smoothly.

Example

The tailor suggested a slight adjustment to the waistline of the trousers to ensure a more comfortable fit during movement.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'make' or 'require'.
2 adapting to a situation (n.)
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.

Example

Moving to a new country is a big adjustment for the whole family.

Example

The transition from university to a full-time corporate role often requires a significant period of adjustment for young professionals.

Usage

Commonly follows the preposition 'to'.
- adaptation
- accommodation

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3 financial/insurance settlement (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

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.

Example

The insurance company sent an expert to handle the adjustment of the fire damage claim.

Example

The final adjustment of the accounts revealed a discrepancy that had been overlooked during the initial audit.

Teacher's tip

In this context, an 'adjuster' is the professional who evaluates the value of the claim.
- settlement
- assessment

Origin

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.