Meaning & use
adjustable
Last updated
Meaning
adjectivenot comparable
Able to be changed or set to different positions to suit different needs.
Grammar: Describes a thing that can be adjusted; usually before a noun: an adjustable strap.
Patterns
- adjustable something
- something is adjustable
The chair has an adjustable back so you can sit upright or lean back.
These jeans have an adjustable waist, which is great for growing kids.
The lamp's arm is adjustable, so you can point the light where you need it.
Common combinations
- adjustable strap
- The bag has an adjustable strap that fits both adults and children.
- adjustable height
- The desk has adjustable height, so you can stand or sit while working.
- fully adjustable
- The bike is fully adjustable to suit any rider.
- adjustable wrench
- Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut.
Synonyms and how they differ
- flexible
- Flexible can mean able to bend without breaking, while adjustable means able to be set to different positions.
- adaptable
- Adaptable often describes people or systems that can change to fit new situations, not objects with a setting.
Opposites
Word family
- adjust verb
- To change something slightly to make it better or more suitable.
- adjustment noun
- A small change made to something.
- adjuster noun
- A person who adjusts something, especially an insurance claims adjuster.
Commonly confused: adjustable or adaptable?
adjustable vs adaptable
Adaptable means able to change to fit new conditions, often for people or plans; adjustable is used for objects with a setting.
Practice
The car seat is ______, so you can move it forward or back.
Choose one answer.
Adjustable is the adjective describing something that can be moved or set. Adjusting is a verb form, adjustment is a noun, and adjust is a verb, so none fit after 'is' here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “adjustable”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.