verb

adjust

uh-JUHST

verb

To change something slightly so it works better or fits new circumstances.

"She adjusted the thermostat before going to bed."

"It took him a few weeks to adjust to his new job."

To settle or resolve, especially an insurance claim.

"The insurer sent someone to adjust the claim after the flood."

How to Use Adjust

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word Forms

adjusted past tense, adjust plural, adjusted plural, adjusts singular, adjust singular, adjusted singular, adjustest singular, adjustedst singular, adjusteth singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “adjust” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ the thermostat before going to bed.

Etymology

From Old French ajuster, ultimately tied to Latin iustus ("correct, exact") — the sense of making something precise or "just right."

Rhymes for adjust

readjust

See all rhymes for adjust →