adjust

American  

[uh-juhst] / əˈdʒʌst /

verb (used with object)

1. to change (something) so that it fits, corresponds, or conforms; adapt; accommodate.

   to adjust expenses to income.

2. to put in good working order; regulate; bring to a proper state or position.

   to adjust an instrument.

   Synonyms:

   fix, repair, set

3. to settle or bring to a satisfactory state, so that parties are agreed in the result.

   to adjust our differences.

   Synonyms:

   reconcile, rectify, arrange

4. Insurance. to determine the amount to be paid in settlement of (a claim).

5. to systematize.

6. Military. to correct the elevation or deflection of (a gun).

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verb (used without object)

1. to adapt oneself; become adapted.

   They had no problems in adjusting at the new school.

adjust British  

/ əˈdʒʌst /

verb

1. (tr) to alter slightly, esp to achieve accuracy; regulate

   to adjust the television

2. to adapt, as to a new environment, etc

3. (tr) to put into order

4. (tr) insurance to determine the amount payable in settlement of (a claim)

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Usage

What does adjust mean? To adjust is to change something so that it fits or adapts to something else or to its environment, as in Macky adjusted the menu so that it included more healthy dishes. To adjust is also to fix or put into a correct position or state, as in Adjust the radio dial, please, so that the station comes in clearly. To adjust also means to put into a satisfactory state, as in Laird adjusted the pitch of his voice to blend in better with the rest of the choir. Adjust can also be used as a synonym for adapt and can be used in reference to people, animals, or objects. For example, if you move to a new city, you may need time to adjust to your new home, learning what’s available and where everything is. Example: Adjust the speakers so that they are facing the audience.

Related Words

Adjust, adapt, alter in their literal meanings imply making necessary or desirable changes (as in position, shape, or the like). To adjust is to move into proper position for use: to adjust the eyepiece of a telescope. To adapt is to make a change in character, to make something useful in a new way: to adapt a paper clip for a hairpin. To alter is to change the appearance but not the use: to alter the height of a table.

Other Word Forms

• adjustable adjective
• adjustably adverb
• adjuster noun
• misadjust verb
• overadjust verb
• preadjust verb (used with object)
• self-adjusting adjective

Etymology

Origin of adjust

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ajusten, from Anglo-French ajuster, Old French aj(o)uster “to make conform to,” verb derivative (with a- a- ⁵ ) of juste “right” ( just ¹ ), influenced in sense by ajoster, ajouter “to add,” from Late Latin adjuxtāre ( ad-, joust )

Explanation

When you adjust to something, you change so that you can fit in, conform, or keep on going. Arriving at a new school almost always requires that you adjust a little. Once you adjust, you'll find you're as happy as you were in your old school. To adjust doesn't mean to transform in a major way. It implies small but important changes that make a big difference. If you adjust your speed by just ten miles per hour, you'll get more than fifty more miles per fill-up. You can adjust your hair to make it fancier, you can adjust your lifestyle to make it more sober, or you can adjust your attitude to make yourself less annoying. You used to have to adjust your TV antenna to get a better picture. Ask your mom.

Example Sentences

What appears to be standard hospital lighting is an LED system that lets the cinematography team adjust individual lights for the cameras.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

When the rule takes effect in 45 days from its publication in the government’s Federal Register, brokers will monitor day trades and adjust each customer’s margin requirements daily.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Fares are already climbing, due to higher fuel costs resulting from the conflict with Iran, and as airlines adjust seat capacity accordingly.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

With the exact trigger now identified, researchers say vaccine developers can adjust the pVII protein in adenovirus-based vaccines to remove this rare risk.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

Rosie is at the far end of the menagerie, and as my eyes adjust to the twilight I see someone standing beside her.

From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen

Related Words

• accommodate
• accustom
• adapt
• alter
• conform
• fine-tune
• fix
• modify
• regulate
• tailor