adjust

adjust — verb

1. to move, change, or control something a little so it suits the situation better,

1.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to move, change, or control something a little so it suits the situation better, works better, or gives a more exact result.

Example

Nina adjusted the mirror before backing the car out of the garage.

adjust + object before using it

The cook adjusted the oven heat when the top of the cake browned too fast.

adjust heat for a better result

Common collocations
  • adjust the settings
  • adjust the seat
  • adjust the price
  • adjust for inflation
Synonyms
  • change

    broader and less specific; it can describe both small and large differences

  • alter

    slightly more formal; common in instructions and written notices

  • modify

    more technical; often used for machines, systems, or plans

  • tweak

    informal; suggests a very small final improvement

Antonyms
  • keep

    to leave something as it is now

  • leave

    to avoid making any change

Grammar Patterns

adjust + noun

adjust + noun + for + condition

Usage Note

Object is usually a setting, part, price, schedule, or plan. English also uses 'adjust for' when you allow for a difference such as age, tax, or inflation. Distinguish from sense 3, which is usually followed by 'to'.

Common Mistakes

I adjusted to the plan yesterday.
I adjusted the plan yesterday.
use a direct object when you change the thing itself.

2. to straighten or shift clothes, straps, or other things you are wearing so they

2.verbtransitive
Definition

to straighten or shift clothes, straps, or other things you are wearing so they sit better or look neater.

Example

Mina adjusted her scarf before stepping into the cold night air.

adjust + piece of clothing

At the wedding, Daniel adjusted his tie in the hotel mirror.

adjust + tie in a grooming context

Common collocations
  • adjust your tie
  • adjust a scarf
  • adjust the collar
  • adjust a strap
Synonyms
  • straighten

    focuses on removing twists, folds, or a crooked position

  • fix

    informal; often used for a quick small correction

  • rearrange

    can suggest moving parts around more noticeably

Grammar Patterns

adjust + scarf/tie/collar/strap

Usage Note

Object is usually a piece of clothing or a part of it, such as a tie, collar, scarf, or strap. Distinguish from sense 1, where you change a machine, price, or plan rather than something you are wearing.

Common Mistakes

She adjusted herself scarf before the photo.
She adjusted her scarf before the photo.
use the clothing item as the direct object, not a reflexive pronoun.

3. to change your behaviour, expectations, or routine so a new situation feels norm

3.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to change your behaviour, expectations, or routine so a new situation feels normal and easier to manage.

Example

Ken adjusted to life in Tainan after leaving his mountain village.

adjust to + life in a new place

New nurses need time to adjust to the hospital's night schedule.

adjust to + schedule

Common collocations
  • adjust to change
  • adjust to school life
  • adjust quickly
  • adjust slowly
Synonyms
  • adapt

    close in meaning, but it often suggests a broader or deeper change

  • get used to

    everyday phrase that stresses the gradual process

  • settle in

    more informal; especially common for new homes, schools, or jobs

Antonyms
  • struggle

    to have difficulty coping with the new situation

  • resist

    to push against the change instead of accepting it

Grammar Patterns

adjust to + new situation

adjust to + life/work/schedule

Usage Note

Usually followed by 'to' plus the new place, rule, schedule, or way of life. Subject is most often a person or group, though organizations can also adjust. Distinguish from sense 1, where you change the thing itself.

Common Mistakes

I adjusted with the cold weather.
I adjusted to the cold weather.
use 'adjust to' for the situation you are getting used to.
Idioms

kindly adjust

idiom

A polite way to ask people to accept and adapt to an inconvenient change or problem.

Our meeting time has changed to 3 PM; kindly adjust your schedule.

The restaurant is out of beef today; kindly adjust your order.

Word family

  • adjustment
    nounB2
  • adjustable
    adjectiveC1
  • readjust
    verbC1
  • readjustment
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

For sense 1, 'adjust' suggests a fairly small change made so something works better, fits better, or gives a fairer result. 'Change' is the broad everyday choice and can describe both small and large differences. 'Alter' is a little more formal and often appears in written instructions or rules. 'Modify' sounds more technical and is common for machines, plans, and systems. 'Tweak' is informal and strongly suggests a tiny final improvement. 'Adapt' usually points to a bigger shift for new conditions or a new purpose, not just a slight correction. You can adjust a bike seat, alter a timetable, modify software settings, or tweak a recipe before serving it.

changealtermodifytweakadapt

Common collocations

Nouns

  • price
  • schedule
  • seat
  • clothes

Adverbs

  • carefully
  • slightly
  • quickly
  • gradually

Phrases

  • adjust to new conditions
  • adjust for comfort
  • adjust the settings
  • adjust your tie

Prepositions

  • adjust to
  • adjust for

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

English 'adjust' came through French from a word meaning to bring something into a right or exact position. Its deeper source is Latin 'iustus', meaning 'just' or 'right'. Early uses were about setting parts in the proper place, and the word later widened to small changes in prices, plans, settings, and even a person's behaviour when circumstances change.