What does adjustment mean?
Adjustment is a noun describing a small change or modification made to something in order to improve its accuracy, effectiveness, or suitability. It also denotes the broader process of adapting to new circumstances, as when someone settles into a different environment or routine. The word appears frequently in everyday contexts — adjusting a chair, a schedule, or one's expectations — as well as in specialized fields such as finance, engineering, and psychology, where it may refer to corrections applied to data or to an individual's capacity to cope with change. Derived from the verb 'adjust', which traces back through French to the Latin 'iuxtare' (to bring near), adjustment carries a neutral, practical connotation: it implies refinement rather than transformation. Its versatility makes it indispensable in both casual conversation and technical writing.
nounA small change or modification made to something in order to improve it, correct it, or make it more suitable for a particular purpose. It can also refer to the act or process of adapting to new conditions.
- A small change made to something to improve it or make it more suitable.
- The process of adapting to new conditions or circumstances.
- (Finance/Economics) A modification applied to figures, such as prices or statistics, to account for specific factors.
"After testing the telescope, she made a slight adjustment to its focus."
"He made a quick adjustment to his tie before walking into the interview."
"Moving to a new country required a significant period of adjustment."
Standard plural form; used when referring to multiple changes or modifications.
"Several adjustments were needed before the machine ran smoothly."
The word 'adjustment' hides a Latin secret: its root 'iuxta' means 'next to' — so every adjustment is literally about getting things closer to where they should be.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of adjustment
Adjustment derives from the verb 'adjust', which entered English in the early 17th century from French 'ajuster', meaning to arrange or set right. The French term likely stems from Late Latin 'adiuxtare', formed from Latin 'iuxta', meaning 'near' or 'close to'. Cognates include 'adjacent' and 'adjudicate', which share the same Latin root family. Over time, 'adjustment' broadened from mechanical correction to encompass psychological adaptation and statistical refinement.
How adjustment is actually used
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. In economics and finance, 'adjustment' often carries a technical meaning related to modifying data or values for accuracy or comparability.
Easily confused with adjustment
"Adjustment" refers to a change made to improve fit or function, while "adaption" (a variant of "adaptation") refers to the process of becoming suited to new conditions.