adjustable
Americanadjective
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capable of being adjusted.
adjustable seat belts.
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(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.
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(especially of life insurance) having flexible premiums and coverage, based on the insuree's current needs and ability to pay.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of adjustable
Explanation
Something that's adjustable can be changed or altered so that it works or fits better. A car's adjustable seat can accommodate both very tall and very short drivers. Most belts are adjustable — you can make them larger or smaller depending on the size of your waist. Seat belts and ball caps are also adjustable, so that they conform to different bodies and heads. When a loan or mortgage from a bank is described as adjustable, it means that the interest rate changes periodically. The verb adjust came first, from the Old French ajouter, "to join," based on the Late Latin adiuxtare, "to bring near."
Vocabulary lists containing adjustable
List 4
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List 10
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"Core Curriculum: Introductory Craft Skills," Vocabulary from Module Three
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Multistrada is typical, with a seat height adjustable from 34.3 to 35 inches.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026
In one group, the device was placed on a stand supported by an adjustable table, encouraging participants to remain upright.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 5, 2026
Called the Virtus Scalable Tactical Vest, the body armour system has adjustable straps and smaller flat plates.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026
The regenerative braking thresholds are adjustable by way of a paddle shifter on the back of the steering wheel.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 30, 2026
The marked papers were collected and brought to the printer who had a hand press containing an adjustable date apparatus, and racks of slugs before her.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
