fine-tune

American  

[fahyn-toon, -tyoon] / ˈfaɪnˈtun, -ˈtyun /

verb (used with object)

fine-tuned, fine-tuning

1. to tune (a radio or television receiver) to produce the optimum reception for the desired station or channel by adjusting a control knob or bar.

2. tune.

3. to make minor adjustments in so as to produce stability, improvement, or the precise results desired.

   to fine-tune the nation's economy.

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fine-tune British  

verb

1. (tr) to make fine adjustments to (something) in order to obtain optimum performance

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Other Word Forms

• fine-tuner
  noun

Etymology

Origin of fine-tune

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Then and now, Addicks helps young sorority hopefuls fine-tune their networking skills, clean up their social media, learn how to chat with strangers and perfect their style.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

"By understanding this simple case, we can fine-tune our tools to study more complicated systems," Zhang says.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

DeMaio filed for the ballot initiative in 2021 and 2023, but did not move forward with the signature collection process in order to fine-tune the ballot language.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

But at the same time, she warns that researchers need to continue to fine-tune the definition of the term as the evolving science dictates.

From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026

“I just need to — sort of fine-tune it, all right?”

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

• adjust
• calibrate
• tweak