# adjustment

/əˈdʒəstmənt/ (US) · /ɐdʒˈʌstmənt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a small change

noun · CEFR B2

a small change you make to something to improve it or make it more accurate.

For teachers: a minor alteration or correction intended to enhance functionality, accuracy, or fit.

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

noun · CEFR B2

the process of getting used to a new place, job, or way of living.

For teachers: the psychological or behavioural process of adapting to new conditions or environmental changes.

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

### 3. financial/insurance settlement

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

the process of deciding how much money is owed for an insurance claim or a debt.

For teachers: the formal assessment and settlement of an insurance claim or the balancing of a financial account.

- The insurance company sent an expert to handle the adjustment of the fire damage claim.
- The final adjustment of the accounts revealed a discrepancy that had been overlooked during the initial audit.

Teaching tip: In this context, an 'adjuster' is the professional who evaluates the value of the claim.

## Examples

- I need to make a small adjustment to my chair.
- Moving to a new country requires a significant period of adjustment as you learn the local customs and language.
- The technician made a slight adjustment to the telescope's lens, allowing the researchers to capture a much clearer image of the distant nebula.

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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.