adjust
uh-JUHST
Adjust (verb) means to change something slightly so it works better or fits new circumstances. Example: “You can adjust the height of the chair with the lever underneath.”
verb
1
To change something slightly so it works better or fits new circumstances.
"You can adjust the height of the chair with the lever underneath."
"She adjusted the thermostat before going to bed."
"It took him a few weeks to adjust to his new job."
2
To settle or resolve, especially an insurance claim.
"An assessor will adjust the claim and tell you how much you will receive."
"The company hired a specialist to adjust losses after the storm damaged several shops."
"The insurer sent someone to adjust the claim after the flood."
How to use adjust
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo change or fine-tune something, or to get used to a new situation.
Common pairings
adjust to
adjust the settings
adjust a claim
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like adjust.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- adjusts
- Past tense
- adjusted
- Archaic forms
- adjustest, adjustedst, adjusteth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You can _____ the height of the chair with the lever underneath.
Etymology
From Old French ajuster, ultimately tied to Latin iustus ("correct, exact") — the sense of making something precise or "just right."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for adjust
See all rhymes for adjust →Frequently asked questions
What does “adjust” mean?
The word “adjust” means to change something slightly so it works better or fits new circumstances. In plain terms, to change or fine-tune something, or to get used to a new situation.
How do you pronounce “adjust”?
“Adjust” is pronounced uh-JUHST (/əˈd͡ʒʌst/ in IPA).
How do you use “adjust” in a sentence?
Here is “adjust” used in a sentence: “She adjusted the thermostat before going to bed.”
What part of speech is “adjust”?
“Adjust” is a verb.
Where does the word “adjust” come from?
The word “adjust” comes from Latin. From Old French ajuster, ultimately tied to Latin iustus ("correct, exact") — the sense of making something precise or "just right.".
Is “adjust” a common word?
“Adjust” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “adjust” have?
“Adjust” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to change something slightly so it works better or fits new circumstances.
What is the difference between "adjust" and "adapt"?
"Adjust" means to make small changes so something works better or fits new circumstances — you adjust a mirror or a schedule. "Adapt" usually implies more substantial change to suit a new purpose or environment, such as adapting a novel for film or adapting to life in a new country.
Do you "adjust something" or "adjust to something"?
Both are correct but mean different things. "Adjust something" is transitive and means to alter it slightly ("adjust the volume"), while "adjust to something" means to get used to new circumstances ("it took weeks to adjust to the time difference").
What is the difference between "adjust" and "modify"?
"Adjust" suggests small, fine-scale changes made so something fits or works better, often restoring a correct setting. "Modify" is broader and can cover more substantial alterations to design or structure, without the sense of tuning something toward a proper fit.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include adjust:
