adjust
gb/əd͡ʒˈʌst/ us/əd͡ʒˈʌst/
A2
English
~ 3000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
Change slightly to improve fit or function
To change something a little so it works or fits better.
Usage pattern:
to adjust [something] to [condition/measurement]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'adjust' with 'adapt'. 'Adjust' usually means making small changes, while 'adapt' often means changing more significantly to suit a new situation.
Synonyms
modify (Suggests making changes, often broader than small tweaks.)
|
tweak (Informal; implies making very small, precise changes.)
Antonyms
misalign (Means to set incorrectly so it does not function or fit properly.)
Collocations
adjust the settings
|adjust the volume
|adjust the seat
|adjust the focus
|adjust the temperature
Themes
daily life
|work
|technology
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She adjusted the chair so she could reach the desk comfortably.
- You may need to adjust the brightness on your screen.
- The mechanic adjusted the brakes to improve their performance.
- He adjusted his tie before the meeting.
- I adjusted the temperature to make the room warmer.
Learner examples
- I adjusted my seat to see better.
- Please adjust the volume of the TV.
- He adjusted his watch for the new time zone.
- She adjusted her glasses on her nose.
- They adjusted the picture on the wall.
Verb
B1
action
2
Become accustomed to new conditions
To slowly become comfortable with new conditions or situations.
Usage pattern:
to adjust to [new situation/environment]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes forget to use 'to' after 'adjust' when talking about becoming used to something.
Synonyms
adapt (Often interchangeable, but 'adapt' can imply more significant changes.)
Antonyms
resist (To not accept or become comfortable with a new situation.)
Collocations
adjust to life
|adjust to change
|adjust to school
|adjust to a new job
Themes
emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- It took her a few weeks to adjust to the new climate.
- After moving to the city, he had trouble adjusting at first.
- Children often adjust quickly to a new school.
- I need time to adjust to working night shifts.
Learner examples
- I am adjusting to my new job.
- She is adjusting to life in Canada.
- He adjusted quickly to the hot weather.
- We are adjusting to living together.
Verb
technical
B2
action
3
Alter settings for accuracy
To move controls so that a machine works right.
Usage pattern:
to adjust [device/machine] for [accuracy/performance]
Synonyms
calibrate (Technical term for adjusting measuring instruments for accuracy.)
Antonyms
miscalibrate (To set incorrectly so accuracy is lost.)
Collocations
adjust the calibration
|adjust the controls
|adjust the mechanism
Themes
technology
|science
Examples
- The technician adjusted the microscope for a clearer image.
- You need to adjust the thermostat for accurate temperature control.
- He adjusted the steering mechanism before the race.
Learner examples
- The worker adjusted the machine.
- She adjusted the camera for a sharp photo.
- He adjusted the radio for better sound.
Grammar
Dictionary form
adjust
IPA
GB/əd͡ʒˈʌst/
US/əd͡ʒˈʌst/
Syllables & stress
ad - just (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (just)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: adjust
- 3rd Person Singular: adjusts
- Present Participle: adjusting
- Past: adjusted
Word family
Forms
adjusts
verb
adjusting
verb
adjusted
verb
Core family
adjustment
noun B1
adjustable
adjective B1
Related words
adjuster
noun
readjust
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unadjustable
adjective
Advanced or less common
readjustment
noun
Expressions
adjust to
1/əd͡ʒˈʌst tə/
phrasal verb
Become used to something new
To slowly feel normal and comfortable in a new situation or place.
Examples
- It took me months to adjust to college life.
- You will soon adjust to your new job.
make adjustments
1/mˈeɪk əd͡ʒˈʌstmənts/
fixed phrase
Make small changes for improvement
To change something a little so it works or fits better.
Examples
- We need to make adjustments before launching the product.
- He made adjustments to his schedule.
self-adjusting
1/sˈɛlf əd͡ʒˈʌstɪŋ/
fixed phrase
technical
Changes automatically for correct use
Able to change by itself so it works correctly without help.
Examples
- The camera has a self-adjusting focus.
- This self-adjusting system saves energy.