adjustable

[ uh-juhs-tuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being adjusted:

   adjustable seat belts.

2. (of loans, mortgages, etc.) having a flexible rate, as one based on money market interest rates or on the rate of inflation or cost of living.
3. (especially of life insurance) having flexible premiums and coverage, based on the insuree's current needs and ability to pay.

noun

1. any rate, expense, income, etc., that varies unpredictably:

   Luckily, his chief income is not made up of adjustables. Allow some money in your budget for the adjustables.

Other Words From

• ad·justa·bly adverb
• nonad·justa·ble adjective
• nonad·justa·bly adverb
• pread·justa·ble adjective
• unad·justa·ble adjective
• unad·justa·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of adjustable¹

First recorded in 1765–75; adjust + -able

Example Sentences

Like several others in the area, they have put their home up on steel beams and adjustable woodwork, which she feels confident can now ride out any future land movement.

From Los Angeles Times

A gift for both moms and dads since it’s easily adjustable, the Osprey Poco LT Child Carrier has earned top reviews for short hikes and everyday outings.

From Seattle Times

Now, Penn Engineers have developed a new tool that could prevent such problems from ever happening again: an adjustable filter that can successfully prevent interference, even in higher-frequency bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.

From Science Daily

"Probably better than anybody else frankly. I think children are just so remarkably adjustable."

From BBC

Many items are adjustable, but some require standard 16-inch stud spacing.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• flexible