What is adjustment? Pronunciation and usage in English

adjustment means . Learn how to pronounce and use adjustment through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of adjustment

adjustmentnoun

/əˈdʒʌstmənt//əˈdʒʌstmənt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "adjustment" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌædʒʌsˈtmənt/ (stress on the second syllable)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ad-: Sounds like "ad" as in "add"
  2. just-: Sounds like "just" as in "justice"
  3. ment: Sounds like "ment" as in "comment"

Putting it together: "ad-JUST-ment"

Here's a more detailed breakdown, with emphasis on specific sounds:

  • "adj": This part is often a little tricky. The "j" makes a "j" sound (like in "jump"), and the "d" is a soft "d" (almost like a very quick "t"). It's not a hard "dj" sound. It’s faster than you might think.
  • "us": Pronounced as "us" in "use".
  • "ment": As mentioned above, sounds like "ment" as in "comment."

Resources to hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "j": It's a quick sound.
  • Keep the rhythm smooth: Don’t draw it out too long.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences?

Usage and examples with the word adjustment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "adjustment" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (the thing being made):

  • Definition: A change made to something to make it fit better, more comfortable, or more suitable. It’s about modifying something to improve it.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to make an adjustment to the car's tire pressure." (Meaning: a change to the pressure)
    • "She made an adjustment to her schedule to accommodate the meeting." (Meaning: a change to her schedule)
    • “The software needs an adjustment to improve its performance.” (Meaning: a modification to make it run better)
    • "He made an adjustment to the game plan after seeing the opponent’s strategy." (Meaning: a modification to the strategy)

2. As a Noun (the act of changing):

  • Definition: The act or process of making an adjustment.
  • Examples:
    • "The adjustment period after moving to a new city can be tough." (Meaning: the time it takes to settle in)
    • "He needed time to make the necessary adjustments to his lifestyle." (Meaning: to adapt to a new way of living)
    • "The company is making adjustments to its pricing strategy." (Meaning: they are changing the pricing)

3. More Specific Meanings & Contexts:

  • Financial Adjustment: A reduction in the amount of money owed.
    • "The lender agreed to a repayment adjustment to help him through the difficult times."
  • Medical Adjustment: Changing medication dosages or treatment plans to help someone feel better.
    • “The doctor recommended a small adjustment to her medication.”
  • Psychological Adjustment: Adapting to a new situation, often after a trauma or significant life change.
    • "It took her a long time to make the emotional adjustment after her husband's death."
  • Fine-Tuning (Technical): Making small, precise changes to improve a system or process.
    • "The engineer made several adjustments to the machine's settings."

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Make an adjustment: (This is the most common way to use it – to actively change something)
  • Adjustment period: The time it takes to get used to something new.
  • Adjust to: To become accustomed to something. (e.g., “He adjusted to the new time zone.”)
  • Fine-tune: To make small, precise adjustments.

Tips for Using "Adjustment" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "adjustment" depends heavily on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like “change,” “modification,” “adaptation,” “alteration,” or “correction,” depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like to use the word "adjustment" so I can help you use it perfectly in that specific context? Or, do you want me to focus on a particular aspect of its usage, like a specific type of adjustment (e.g., financial, medical)?

Synonyms for the word adjustment

Practice with vocabulary adjustment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project manager requested a slight __________________ to the timeline after reviewing the initial progress report.
  2. Regular software __________________ are released to fix bugs and improve performance, ensuring system stability.
  3. Successfully navigating cultural differences often requires significant __________________ in personal habits and communication styles.
  4. After careful deliberation, the committee decided on a __________________ that satisfied both parties involved in the dispute.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The new remote work policy necessitates a significant __________________ in how teams collaborate and manage their schedules. a) revision b) adjustment c) adaptation d) development

  2. Due to the unexpected market shift, the company had to make a rapid __________________ to its strategic plan. a) alteration b) adjustment c) calibration d) modification

  3. To ensure the instrument's accuracy, a regular __________________ of its settings is required. a) calibration b) assessment c) examination d) verification

  4. Living abroad often involves a substantial cultural __________________ as individuals learn to navigate new social norms and customs. a) integration b) adjustment c) assimilation d) adaptation

  5. The editor recommended a significant __________________ of the manuscript to improve clarity and flow. a) amendment b) revision c) overhaul d) modification

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We had to change our project schedule to accommodate the client's new requirements. Rewrite (use "adjustment" or related word form):

  2. Original: The organization has to adapt its operational procedures to comply with the updated regulations. Rewrite (use "adjustment" or related word form):

  3. Original: The architect made a slight alteration to the building's exterior design based on feedback. Rewrite (do not use "adjustment", use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. adjustment
  2. updates
  3. adjustment
  4. compromise

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) adjustment, c) adaptation
  2. a) alteration, b) adjustment, d) modification
  3. a) calibration
  4. b) adjustment, d) adaptation
  5. b) revision, c) overhaul, d) modification

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We had to make an adjustment to our project schedule to accommodate the client's new requirements.
  2. The organization has to adjust its operational procedures to comply with the updated regulations.
  3. The architect made a slight modification to the building's exterior design based on feedback.

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