sliding scale
noun
1
: a wage scale geared to the selling price of the product or to the consumer price index but usually guaranteeing a minimum below which the wage will not fall
2
a
: a system for raising or lowering tariffs in accord with price changes
b
: a flexible scale (as of fees or subsidies) adjusted to the needs or income of individuals
the sliding scale of medical fees
Examples of sliding scale in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
So at least for 2024, customers shouldn't expect changes in digital display or sliding scale pricing.
—
Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024
The benefits would be on a sliding scale but could be as high as $600 per month per child, with the state sending payments directly to Minnesota child care providers.
—Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 21 May 2024
In some cases, the clients had insurance but their high deductible prevented them from accessing counseling services, so the team helped by coordinating sliding scale services with providers.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2024
Commissioners have also adopted a sliding scale, for building height.
—Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sliding scale 
Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024
The benefits would be on a sliding scale but could be as high as $600 per month per child, with the state sending payments directly to Minnesota child care providers.
—Rachel M. Cohen, Vox, 21 May 2024
In some cases, the clients had insurance but their high deductible prevented them from accessing counseling services, so the team helped by coordinating sliding scale services with providers.
—Natalie Eilbert, Journal Sentinel, 17 May 2024
Commissioners have also adopted a sliding scale, for building height.
—Sherry Greenfield, Baltimore Sun, 4 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sliding scale
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sliding scale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sliding scale
Cite this Entry
“Sliding scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sliding%20scale. Accessed 1 Jul. 2024.
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