adjustment
noun (countable)
UKəˈdʒʌst.məntUSəˈdʒʌst.mənt
a small change made to something to improve it or to make it more suitable; the process of adapting or becoming used to a new situation or condition
Example Sentences
A minor adjustment to the microphone levels made the audio crisp and clear.
Moving to a foreign country often requires a significant adjustment, especially regarding language and cultural norms.
The mechanic performed a quick adjustment on the car’s engine to improve its performance.
Many people find it challenging to make an adjustment in their daily routines once they have established a comfortable habit.
Their financial plan needed a small adjustment to account for unexpected expenses.
He made an adjustment to his posture, noticing that sitting up straight reduced his back pain.
After installing the new software, the IT department had to make several adjustments to the system settings, ensuring compatibility and stability across all workstations while maintaining tight security measures.
Achieving a work-life balance is not always straightforward and requires careful adjustments to personal habits, professional boundaries, and time management strategies in order to create a sustainable, fulfilling routine.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A small or incremental change that improves alignment or functioning.As a noun, “adjustment” describes the result or act of altering something slightly to enhance performance, comfort, or accuracy. Whether you’re tweaking your office chair for better posture, recalibrating a device to align with specified standards, or rearranging a schedule for added flexibility, you’re making an adjustment. In general, an adjustment is more subtle than a full transformation, focusing on fine-tuning existing elements rather than overhauling them.Adjustments can be physical (like shifting your car seat) or more abstract (like adjusting your mindset). In technical or business contexts, an adjustment might involve updating processes, budgets, or data to reflect recent developments. In personal or interpersonal scenarios, an “adjustment period” implies the time it takes to adapt to a new situation—like starting college or relocating to another city—highlighting the small steps needed to settle in. Whether you’re easing discomfort or meeting fresh requirements, the essence of an adjustment is a targeted, purposeful modification that helps bridge the gap between what exists and what you need.
Alternatives
If you want near-synonyms for “adjustment,” consider “modification,” “tweak,” or “fine-tuning.” “Modification” can imply a somewhat broader or more formal update, while “tweak” and “fine-tuning” emphasize small, precise changes. “Alteration” likewise points to an intentional shift, but can sometimes imply a more noticeable or permanent difference—such as tailoring clothes. When dealing with mental or behavioral contexts, “adaptation” highlights the process of change over time, while “revision” suits scenarios where you revise a plan, schedule, or text. Each choice underscores realigning or reshaping something so it better fits its purpose, but the degree of change can vary from subtle tweaks to moderate reworks.
Writing
When writing about an adjustment, specify what prompts the change and how it rectifies or enhances the situation. For instance, in a business report, you might note, “We made a slight adjustment to our pricing strategy after analyzing market trends,” conveying that a minor recalibration resolved a mismatch or seized an opportunity. In academic or technical writing, you might discuss adjusting experimental methods to ensure accurate data or adjusting variables in a statistical model. Providing details on why the adjustment was necessary, plus any outcomes, gives readers a clear sense of cause-and-effect.In creative or narrative text, an ‘adjustment’ might show a character’s growth or coping strategy. Perhaps someone moves to a new city and makes emotional or lifestyle adjustments to fit in. Including some before-and-after context—like how the character felt initially and then how the small shifts help them settle—enriches the storyline. By highlighting the action and its payoff, you underscore how a seemingly small step can yield meaningful improvements or lessons.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, ‘adjustment’ typically refers to a small fix. You might say, “After that road trip, I had to make a minor adjustment to my car’s mirror,” or “I need an adjustment in my workout schedule so I can find more time to rest.” It’s a polite way of saying you’re tweaking something without overhauling it. Friends or family might casually mention adjustments at work—like changing their lunch break or shifting tasks around. If someone’s going through a life change—a new baby, job, or neighborhood—you might hear, “It’s been an adjustment,” suggesting that, while not overwhelming, it does require getting used to something different. Using “adjustment” in casual talk implies you’re handling an issue or transition by making small, methodical moves, often to become more comfortable or effective. That sense of incremental improvement is key, whether it’s about personal routines, household schedules, or relationships.
Etymology
“Adjustment” traces back to the Middle French “ajustement,” formed from the verb “ajuster,” meaning ‘to bring into correct relation or to fit properly.’ The root itself comes from the Late Latin “adjuxtare” (to place side by side), combining “ad-” (“to”) and “juxta” (“near”). Over time, the idea evolved into any fine-tuning or calibration that helps two things fit together more precisely—be it a physical alignment (like parts of machinery) or a metaphorical alignment (like a person’s mindset with new conditions). As the word spread through English usage, it retained that sense of subtly aligning or refining elements for optimal function or harmony.