ADJUSTMENT

Definition of ADJUSTMENT

ADJUSTMENT Noun

Adjustment is a noun that refers to the act or process of modifying, changing, or making something more suitable, accurate, or effective. It can also refer to the outcome of such changes or modifications, as well as the result of adapting to new conditions, circumstances, or requirements.

Modifying or Changing: When used as a noun, adjustment refers to the act of making slight changes to something in order to improve it, make it more accurate, or fit better within a given context. For example, in a workplace setting, an employee might make an adjustment to a report to correct an error or improve clarity. Similarly, an athlete might make an adjustment to their technique to enhance performance.

Adapting to Conditions or Situations: Adjustment also refers to the process of adapting to new conditions or situations, often requiring changes in behavior, mindset, or approach. For instance, when moving to a new city, a person might experience an adjustment period, during which they adapt to their new environment. This meaning can also extend to emotional or psychological adjustments, such as coping with a difficult life event.

Minor Changes for Precision or Balance: In more technical contexts, adjustment can describe minor alterations made to fine-tune equipment, machinery, or systems. For example, a mechanic might perform an adjustment on a vehicle’s engine to ensure it runs smoothly. Similarly, photographers may make adjustments to their camera settings to achieve the correct exposure or focus.

Adjustment in Financial or Economic Contexts: In finance and economics, adjustment often refers to changes in prices, wages, or other economic variables in response to shifts in market conditions, regulations, or policies. For instance, an adjustment to the cost of living might be made if inflation increases. Similarly, companies may make adjustments to their pricing strategy based on changes in consumer demand or production costs.

Adjustment in Legal or Administrative Settings: In legal or administrative settings, an adjustment may refer to modifications made to agreements, contracts, or claims to reflect new facts, circumstances, or requirements. For example, an insurance company might make an adjustment to a claim after reassessing the damage or incident. In employment, an adjustment might involve modifying working hours or conditions to meet legal or contractual requirements.

Adjustment in Psychology or Behavior: Psychologically, adjustment refers to the process of adapting to life changes, stressors, or new challenges. For instance, a person going through a significant life transition, such as a divorce or loss of a job, may experience an adjustment period as they work through their emotions and regain a sense of stability. This concept also applies to managing stress and finding ways to cope with difficult situations.

In conclusion, adjustment encompasses a wide range of meanings, all relating to the process of change, modification, or adaptation. Whether it involves making minor changes to improve something, adapting to new situations, fine-tuning systems or equipment, or responding to economic and legal shifts, adjustment plays a crucial role in many aspects of life. It is a concept that applies to both practical and emotional aspects of human experience, helping individuals, organizations, and systems maintain balance and effectiveness.

Examples of ADJUSTMENT in a sentence

• The company made an adjustment to the pricing structure to better compete in the market.
• After receiving feedback, she made a quick adjustment to her presentation to clarify key points.
• The adjustment to the new system took some time, but the team eventually became comfortable with the changes.
• He requested an adjustment to his work schedule due to personal reasons.
• The adjustment in the project timeline was necessary to accommodate unexpected delays.
• She made a minor adjustment to her diet, cutting out sugary snacks for healthier alternatives.
• The adjustment in the design helped improve the product’s functionality and ease of use.
• The adjustment of the settings on the machine was essential for optimal performance.

Origin of ADJUSTMENT

The term adjustment has an etymology centered around the concept of making changes or modifications to bring something into a desired state or condition.

• Etymological Roots: Adjustment is derived from the Latin verb “adjustare,” meaning “to arrange” or “to set right.” The word “adjustare” is formed from “ad-” (meaning “to” or “toward”) and “justus” (meaning “just” or “correct”). The suffix “-ment” was added to form the noun, indicating the process or result of making something just, correct, or fitting. Adjustment entered English in the early 18th century, retaining its focus on the act of making modifications or alterations to achieve proper alignment or functionality.
• Historical Development: Adjustment was first used in English in the 17th century, initially referring to the process of making something suitable or fitting, particularly in mechanical, technical, or legal contexts. Over time, the term expanded to include a broader range of uses, referring not only to physical alterations but also to personal, social, and psychological changes. For example, in the 19th century, adjustment began to be applied in psychological contexts, referring to a person’s ability to adapt to new conditions or challenges. By the 20th century, the term had become widely used in everyday language to describe any change or modification made to improve a situation or to bring something into harmony or balance.
• Cultural and Linguistic Evolution: By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adjustment was widely used in fields such as psychology, economics, and business. In psychology, it came to describe the process by which an individual adapts to new environments, stresses, or life circumstances, contributing to the development of theories on mental health and coping mechanisms. In economics, it referred to changes made to economic policies or practices to restore equilibrium, while in business, it came to describe modifications to strategies or operations in response to changing market conditions.
• Current Usage: Today, adjustment is widely used in both literal and figurative senses. In a literal sense, it refers to changes made to physical objects or systems, such as adjusting the settings on a machine or making adjustments to a piece of equipment to ensure proper function. It is also commonly used in personal and social contexts, such as when a person makes an adjustment to their lifestyle or routine to accommodate new circumstances or goals. In psychology, adjustment still refers to the process by which an individual adapts to new challenges or stressors, while in business and economics, it describes the modification of strategies, policies, or systems to improve outcomes or restore balance.

The term adjustment has evolved from its Latin roots meaning “to set right” to become a versatile word used to describe changes, modifications, and adaptations in a wide range of contexts, from physical alterations to personal and societal adaptations.