Adjustable
/əˈdʒʌstəbl/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Able to be changed or altered to fit different needs or situations.
/əˈdʒʌstəbl/
adjectiveneutralBeginner
General
Capable of being adjusted or modified.
The straps on the backpack are adjustable.
💡 Simply: Something you can change easily.
More Examples
2
This wrench has an adjustable jaw.
How It's Used
Furniture
"The chair has an adjustable height."
Technology
"The camera's settings are fully adjustable."
From "adjust" + "-able", meaning capable of being adjusted. The root 'adjust' comes from Old French 'ajuster', ultimately from Latin 'ad' (to) + 'jungere' (to join).
The use of 'adjustable' has increased significantly with the rise of technology and mass-produced goods that allow for customization.
Memory tip
Think of 'adjust' – if something can be adjusted, it's adjustable.
Practice
Base: adjust
adjustibleadjstableadjusable
Usage
40%Spoken
60%Written