adjustment
B2Formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
A small change made to something in order to correct, align, or adapt it to a new situation.
The process of becoming accustomed to new conditions, or the act of making something fit, function, or agree.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a minor, fine-tuning change rather than a major overhaul. Connotes improvement, correction, or adaptation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in formal business/financial contexts in AmE (e.g., 'adjusting entries').
Connotations
Similar connotations of minor correction, adaptation, or settling in.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in AmE, but common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
adjustment to somethingadjustment for somethingadjustment in/of somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make adjustments”
- “a period of adjustment”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to corrections in accounts, prices, or strategy (e.g., 'We made a quarterly adjustment to the forecast.').
Academic
Used in psychology for adaptation to new environments, or in economics for statistical corrections.
Everyday
Common for describing changes to plans, objects, or personal habits (e.g., 'It took an adjustment to the new schedule.').
Technical
In engineering, the precise setting of a mechanism; in statistics, data normalization.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mechanic will adjust the carburettor.
- You need to adjust to the time difference.
American English
- The mechanic will adjust the carburetor.
- You need to adjust to the time difference.
adverb
British English
- The seat can be moved adjustably.
- He looked adjustably at the situation.
American English
- The seat can be moved adjustably.
- He looked adjustably at the situation.
adjective
British English
- The adjustable spanner is in the boot.
- She has a highly adjustable schedule.
American English
- The adjustable wrench is in the trunk.
- She has a highly adjustable schedule.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Make a small adjustment to the TV volume.
- The chair needs an adjustment.
- The teacher made an adjustment to the test schedule.
- Moving to a new city requires a period of adjustment.
- After some minor adjustments, the engine ran perfectly.
- The financial report included an adjustment for inflation.
- The treaty allowed for seasonal adjustments to fishing quotas.
- Her research examines the psychological adjustment of immigrants.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ADJUST + MENT. You make an 'adjust-ment' to something to make it 'just right'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A MACHINE THAT NEEDS ADJUSTING; ADAPTING IS TUNING AN INSTRUMENT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'регулировка' for non-mechanical contexts.
- Do not confuse with 'приспособление' (device/adaptor). 'Adjustment' is the process/act of adjusting.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'adjustation' (non-existent).
- Using uncountably where an article is needed (e.g., 'It requires adjustment' vs 'It requires an adjustment').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'adjustment' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. 'The machine needs adjustment' (uncountable, process). 'We made several adjustments' (countable, specific changes).
Most commonly 'to' (adjustment to a new culture) and 'for' (adjustment for inflation). 'In' and 'of' are also used (adjustment in plans, adjustment of the settings).
'Adjustment' often implies a smaller, quicker change to correct or align. 'Adaptation' implies a more significant, evolutionary change to survive or fit into a new environment.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'tax adjustment', 'adjusting entry', 'inflation adjustment'.
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