fine-tune

American  

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

verb (used with object)

fine-tunes, present (3rd person singular) fine-tuned, past participle, past fine-tuning present participle

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.

---

fine-tune British  

verb

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

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• fine-tuner
  noun

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has fine-tuned
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have fine-tuned
  perfect
• have been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive
• is fine-tuning
  progressive 3rd person singular
• has been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• fine-tunes
  singular 3rd person
• am fine-tuning
  progressive 1st person singular
• are fine-tuning
  progressive
• fine-tuning
  participle

Past

• had fine-tuned
  perfect
• was fine-tuning
  progressive singular
• had been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive
• were fine-tuning
  progressive plural
• fine-tuned
  participle
• fine-tuned
  simple

Future

• will fine-tune
  simple
• will have fine-tuned
  perfect
• will be fine-tuning
  progressive
• will have been fine-tuning
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of fine-tune

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

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

The new approach could reshape how scientists test and fine-tune quantum processors.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 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

And while you’re at it, fine-tune your deductions as well:

From MarketWatch • Mar. 16, 2026

I fine-tune her hair, placing a nice wave in the strands, adding a shiny gloss like Padma's black hair, and thickening it in the crown.

From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton

Related Words

• adjust
• calibrate
• tweak