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

Some examples: Stretching for a higher home price based on quick appreciation, using a large adjustable mortgage to fund renovations, buying a vacation or rental property, or financing extra vehicles that strain cash flow.

From MarketWatch

This added control is important for developing safe and adjustable chemogenetic therapies.

From Science Daily

Maybe one with an adjustable height for neck support?

From The Wall Street Journal

But a steepening yield curve is changing the math—and giving buyers significantly lower rates on adjustable loans than fixed.

From Barron's

At night, I miss your adjustable color lighting.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• flexible