What does adjustably mean?
"Adjustably" is an adverb meaning in an adjustable manner — that is, in a way that allows something to be changed, set, or adapted to different positions, sizes, or conditions. It is formed from the adjective "adjustable" by adding the adverbial suffix "-ly," placing it in the same family as "adjust," "adjustment," and "adjustability." The word is genuinely rare: it appears almost entirely in technical registers such as engineering documents, product specifications, and patent claims, often in phrases like "adjustably mounted" or "adjustably secured." In ordinary conversation and general writing, English speakers nearly always reach for "adjustable" instead, rephrasing a sentence so the adjective does the work. Its scarcity gives it a certain specialist charm — encountering it usually signals precise, technical prose rather than casual language.
adverbIn an adjustable manner; so as to be capable of being adjusted or adapted to different conditions or requirements.
- In a manner that permits adjustment; so as to be capable of being set or adapted to varying conditions.
"The lamp's arm is adjustably mounted, allowing the light to be angled precisely where needed."
"The seat back is adjustably positioned along a sliding rail."
"The sensor can be adjustably mounted at any height on the frame."
Most people say "adjustable" without a second thought — but its adverb cousin "adjustably" lurks in patent filings and technical manuals, doing quiet work few readers ever notice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of adjustably
"Adjustably" derives from the verb "adjust," which entered English from French "ajuster" in the early 17th century, with roots traced through Late Latin "adjuxtare" (to bring near), built on Latin "iuxta" (near). Adding the suffix "-able" produced "adjustable," and the further addition of "-ly" yielded the adverb "adjustably." Its cognates include "adjustment" and "adjustability," all sharing the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How adjustably is actually used
"Adjustably" is a rare, formal word found almost exclusively in technical writing, engineering specifications, and patent language, where it typically modifies a past participle such as "mounted," "positioned," or "attached." In everyday speech and general prose, writers overwhelmingly prefer constructions with the adjective "adjustable" instead.
Easily confused with adjustably
"Adjustable" is the adjective describing something that can be adjusted, while "adjustably" is the rarer adverb describing how something is positioned or designed so that it can be adjusted.