fine-tune

American  

[fahyn-toon, -tyoon] / ˈfaɪnˈtun, -ˈtyun /

verb (used with object)

fine-tunes, present (3rd person singular) fine-tuned, past participle, past fine-tuning present participle

1. to tune (a radio or television receiver) to produce the optimum reception for the desired station or channel by adjusting a control knob or bar.

2. tune.

3. to make minor adjustments in so as to produce stability, improvement, or the precise results desired.

   to fine-tune the nation's economy.

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fine-tune British  

verb

1. (tr) to make fine adjustments to (something) in order to obtain optimum performance

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• fine-tuner
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has fine-tuned
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have fine-tuned
  perfect
• have been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive
• is fine-tuning
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• fine-tunes
  singular 3rd person
• am fine-tuning
  progressive 1st person singular
• are fine-tuning
  progressive
• fine-tuning
  participle

Past

• had fine-tuned
  perfect
• was fine-tuning
  progressive singular
• had been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive
• were fine-tuning
  progressive plural
• fine-tuned
  participle
• fine-tuned
  simple

Future

• will fine-tune
  simple
• will have fine-tuned
  perfect
• will be fine-tuning
  progressive
• will have been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of fine-tune

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Then and now, Addicks helps young sorority hopefuls fine-tune their networking skills, clean up their social media, learn how to chat with strangers and perfect their style.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

DeMaio filed for the ballot initiative in 2021 and 2023, but did not move forward with the signature collection process in order to fine-tune the ballot language.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

The new approach could reshape how scientists test and fine-tune quantum processors.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

But at the same time, she warns that researchers need to continue to fine-tune the definition of the term as the evolving science dictates.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

Instruments that can bend most pitches enough to fine-tune them during a performance — and this includes most orchestral instruments — also tend to play the "pure" intervals.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones

Related Words

• adjust
• calibrate
• tweak