adjustable

[uh-juhs-tuh-buhl]

adjective

1. capable of being adjusted.

   adjustable seat belts.

2. (of loans, mortgages, etc.) having a flexible rate, as one based on money market interest rates or on the rate of inflation or cost of living.

3. (especially of life insurance) having flexible premiums and coverage, based on the insuree's current needs and ability to pay.

noun

1. any rate, expense, income, etc., that varies unpredictably.

   Luckily, his chief income is not made up of adjustables. Allow some money in your budget for the adjustables.

Other Word Forms

• adjustably adverb
• nonadjustable adjective
• nonadjustably adverb
• preadjustable adjective
• unadjustable adjective
• unadjustably adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjustable¹

First recorded in 1765–75; adjust + -able

Example Sentences

It has an adjustable light for middle-of-the-night inspiration and its interface has preloaded templates, such as weekly planners, in case staring at a blank screen is intimidating.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Companies are implementing amenities like advanced air filtration, natural elements, and adjustable lighting to enhance the office experience.

Read more on Barron's

Similar properties could be used to build finely tuned sensors that detect extremely small vibrations or pressure shifts, or to develop adjustable light sources for advanced displays and imaging systems.

Read more on Science Daily

With the help of digital features such as adjustable zoom and enhanced contrast, some participants achieved visual sharpness comparable to 20/42 vision.

Read more on Science Daily

Already chic, an adjustable drawstring hem and belted detailing at the waist and wrists allows you to style the jacket your way.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flexible