adjust

verb

ad·​just ə-ˈjəst 

adjusted; adjusting; adjusts

transitive verb

1

a

: to bring to a more satisfactory state:

(1)

: settle, resolve

ways of adjusting conflicts

(2)

: rectify

adjust an error

b

: to make correspondent or conformable : adapt

had to adjust our approach

c

: to bring the parts of to a true or more effective relative position

adjust a carburetor

2

: to reduce to a system : regulate

3

: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

intransitive verb

1

: to adapt or conform oneself (as to new conditions)

adjust to the new regulations

Our eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness.

2

: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

adjustability

ə-ˌjə-stə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

adjustable

ə-ˈjə-stə-bəl 

adjective

adjustive

ə-ˈjə-stiv 

adjective

Synonyms

• acclimate
• acclimatize
• accommodate
• adapt
• condition
• conform
• doctor
• edit
• fashion
• fit
• put
• shape
• suit
• tailor

Choose the Right Synonym for adjust

adapt, adjust, accommodate, conform, reconcile mean to bring one thing into correspondence with another.

adapt implies a modification according to changing circumstances.

adapted themselves to the warmer climate

adjust suggests bringing into a close and exact correspondence or harmony such as exists between parts of a mechanism.

adjusted the budget to allow for inflation

accommodate may suggest yielding or compromising to effect a correspondence.

businesses accommodating themselves to the new political reality

conform applies to bringing into accordance with a pattern, example, or principle.

refused to conform to society's values

reconcile implies the demonstration of the underlying compatibility of things that seem to be incompatible.

tried to reconcile what he said with what I knew

Examples of adjust in a Sentence

The car is easier to drive since the clutch was adjusted.

I adjusted the volume on the radio.

She adjusted the car seat so she could reach the pedals.

Going to a new school can be difficult, but the kids will eventually adjust.

It's hard to adjust myself to the idea that she's gone.

He makes less money now, when you adjust for inflation, than he did 10 years ago.

Recent Examples on the Web

What changed with eSTAR? With these evolving expectations, the FDA has also adjusted its enforcement mechanisms. —Mike Kijewski, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Jason Kelce is still adjusting to life in front of a camera! —Escher Walcott, People.com, 10 Dec. 2024

The best toy subscription boxes offer monthly or quarterly deliveries, are curated based on a child’s current age, and can also be adjusted to match their interests. —Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 10 Dec. 2024

This versatile Petzl option can be adjusted for head size, tilted up or down, and runs on either the Core rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries. —Lauren Mazzo, Glamour, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French ajuster (earlier and Middle French also spelled adjuster), going back to Old French ajouster "to make comply with," from a- (going back to Latin ad- ad-) + -jouster, verbal derivative of juste "right, exact" — more at just entry 1

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

adjust

verb

ad·​just ə-ˈjəst 

1

: to bring to a better state : set right

adjust conflicts

adjust the error

2

: to move the parts of an instrument or a piece of machinery until they fit together in the best working order

adjust a watch

adjust the brakes on a car

3

: to determine the amount of an insurance claim

4

: to adapt oneself to conditions

had trouble adjusting to the new job

adjustable

-ˈjəs-tə-bəl 

adjective

adjuster noun

also adjustor

-ˈjəs-tər

Medical Definition

adjust

transitive verb

ad·​just ə-ˈjəst 

: to bring about orientation or adaptation of (oneself)

intransitive verb

1

: to adapt oneself (as to climate, food, or new working hours)

2

: to achieve mental and behavioral balance between one's own needs and the demands of others

adjustability

-ˌjəs-tə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

plural adjustabilities

adjustable

-ˈjəs-tə-bəl 

adjective

adjustive

-ˈjəs-tiv 

adjective

Legal Definition

adjust

transitive verb

ad·​just

1

a

: to determine the amount to be paid under an insurance policy in settlement of (a loss)

b

: to make new arrangements with creditors for the payment of (the debts of a debtor in bankruptcy)

2

: to calculate in accordance with a system

adjusting the basis