adjustable

American  

[uh-juhs-tuh-buhl] / əˈdʒʌs tə bəl /

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.

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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

Etymology

Origin of adjustable

First recorded in 1765–75; adjust + -able

Example Sentences

These microscopic pores act like adjustable valves, letting carbon dioxide enter the leaf for photosynthesis while allowing water vapor to escape into the air.

From Science Daily

A polytunnel for horticultural work features equipment with adjustable heights, to suit wheelchair users and smaller children.

From BBC

It’s OK that the U.S. isn’t a powerhouse producer of faux-marble tables and adjustable futons.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Carthage, Mo., company makes furniture, engineered components and products for homes, offices, automobiles and commercial aircraft, including bedding products such as mattress springs, specialty foam, adjustable beds and machinery.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• flexible