What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
adjustment
Example
I made an adjustment to the thermostat to make the room warmer. [adjustment: noun]
Example
She had to make some adjustments to her schedule after starting a new job. [adjustments: plural noun]
adaptation
Example
The adaptation of the book to a movie was successful. [adaptation: noun]
Example
The bird's beak is an adaptation that helps it to find food. [adaptation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Adjustment is more commonly used than adaptation in everyday language. Adjustment is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while adaptation is more often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between adjustment and adaptation?
Both adjustment and adaptation are neutral in terms of formality, but adaptation may be more commonly used in formal or technical writing due to its scientific connotations.
