sliding scale

American  

noun

1. a variable scale, especially of industrial costs, as wages, that may be adapted to changes in demand.

2. a wage scale varying with the selling price of goods produced, the cost of living, or profits.

3. a price scale, as of medical fees, in which prices vary according to the ability of individuals to pay.

4. a tariff scale varying according to changing prices.

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sliding scale British  

noun

1. a variable scale according to which specified wages, tariffs, prices, etc, fluctuate in response to changes in some other factor, standard, or conditions

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sliding scale Cultural  

1. A set of rates that change according to a mathematical formula. The income tax, for example, is levied on a sliding scale, with the rich paying a higher percentage than the poor.

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Etymology

Origin of sliding scale

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

Rachel described her mental health as being a "sliding scale" throughout her life, as she received support through the Army via therapy and medication.

From BBC

Enrollment is on a sliding scale — anywhere from $90-$280 a year — and each troop has three adult volunteer leaders who get trained on the curriculum, facilitate meetings and communicate with parents.

From Los Angeles Times

Families generally pay the rest of their child care center costs on a sliding scale.

From Salon

It also capped plaintiffs’ attorney’s fees on a sliding scale, to as little as 21% on recoveries of six figures or more.

From Los Angeles Times

The governments of Angola, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo will have a month to start co-operating before a sliding scale of sanctions are imposed, the Home Office said on Monday.

From BBC