Words / B1

uh-JUSTM-uh-nt/əˈdʒʌstmənt/

An adjustment is a small change: make an adjustment; a price adjustment; a period of adjustment. Adjust is the verb. Alteration can be a clothing change; change is everyday and wider. Do not call a complete new policy an adjustment — that is a reform or a U-turn. In exams, remarking may lead to a mark adjustment.

Meaning

A small change to make something better, fairer, or more accurate.

Examples

• “The teacher made an adjustment to the mark after the remark.”
• “The examiner made an adjustment after the clerical check.”
• “The first term is a period of adjustment for international students.”

Good to know

make an adjustment; a period of adjustment. Verb: adjust. Bigger change: reform. Everyday: a small change.

Near in meaning

change

New