Meaning & use
adjustment factor
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Meanings
nouncountabletechnical
A number used to multiply or change a value so that it becomes fairer, more accurate, or comparable.
Grammar: Countable: say 'an adjustment factor' or 'adjustment factors'. Often followed by 'for' or 'of'.
Patterns
- an adjustment factor for something
- apply an adjustment factor to something
- an adjustment factor of + number
Economists applied an adjustment factor to account for inflation.
The adjustment factor for part-time workers is 0.6.
We need a different adjustment factor for each region.
nouncountable
A particular element that is taken into account when changing or judging something.
Grammar: Countable and often used with 'important' or 'key' before it.
Patterns
- a key adjustment factor
- an important adjustment factor in something
Cost is a key adjustment factor in the final decision.
Weather was an important adjustment factor in planning the event.
Word forms
| plural | adjustment factors |
|---|
Common combinations
- apply an adjustment factor
- The bank applied an adjustment factor to the interest rate.
- adjustment factor for inflation
- They used an adjustment factor for inflation in the report.
- adjustment factor of 0.5
- The score was multiplied by an adjustment factor of 0.5.
- key adjustment factor
- Location is a key adjustment factor in property prices.
Synonyms and how they differ
- multiplier
- A multiplier is the number you multiply by; an adjustment factor is broader and may also be added or subtracted.
- modifier
- A modifier changes something slightly, often in grammar or computing; an adjustment factor is usually a specific number in calculations.
Word family
- adjust verb
- to change something slightly so it works better
- adjustment noun
- a small change made to something
- adjustable adjective
- able to be changed to suit different needs
Commonly confused: adjustment factor or adjustment?
adjustment factor vs adjustment
Adjustment is the act of changing something; an adjustment factor is the number used to make that change in a calculation.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'adjustment factor' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Adjustment factor' is a technical noun meaning a number used to change a value, so it fits 'for inflation was 1.03'. The other options use it as a verb, an emotion, or an adjective, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “adjustment factor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.