2 syllables: Ad, just. Stress on just.
uh-JUHST
/əˈdʒʌst/
Adjust is pronounced uh-JUHST (/əˈdʒʌst/). It has two syllables (Ad-just), with the stress on "just". Adjust is a verb meaning to alter or modify something to fit better, to adapt to new conditions, or to fit a new purpose. It often implies small or precise changes rather than complete overhauls, and can also mean to align or calibrate gear or settings. In use, it frequently precedes nouns like “the settings,” “the angle,” or “your approach.”.
verbAdjust is a verb meaning to alter or modify something to fit better, to adapt to new conditions, or to fit a new purpose. It often implies small or precise changes rather than complete overhauls, and can also mean to align or calibrate gear or settings. In use, it frequently precedes nouns like “the settings,” “the angle,” or “your approach.”
- You may overemphasize or misplace the /dʒ/ sound, turning it into a hard d or yod-like sound. To fix, practice the /dʒ/ as a single unit blending a /d/ + /ʒ/ in one quick motion, keeping your tongue blade high for /ʒ/ before releasing to /st/. - Some speakers insert an extra vowel between the /d/ and /ʒ/ (e.g., /ə-dʒə-ʒst/). Instead, keep it tight: /əˈdʒʌst/ or /əˈdʒəst/ with no vowel between /d/ and /ʒ/. - Final /t/ can be silent or weak in rapid speech; ensure a crisp /t/ by a small tongue-tip tap and release. Practice with minimal pairs to feel the difference between /dʒ/ followed by /t/ vs. /dʒt/.
"She adjusted the mirror to see behind her better."
"The thermostat was adjusted to maintain a comfortable temperature."
"He adjusted his plan after realizing the timeline was too tight."
Pronounce as ə-ˈdʒəst in US/UK/AU. Primary stress on the second syllable. Start with a schwa followed by a soft ‘j’ sound as in 'judge', then a short ‘uh’ before the ‘st’ cluster at the end. IPA for US/UK/AU is əˈdʒʌst; note some speakers use əˈdʒəst in rapid speech. You’ll want the tongue high at the back of the alveolar ridge for the /dʒ/ and finish with a crisp /st/ cluster. Practice with a slowed, then normal tempo and listen for final devoicing.
Common errors include pronouncing the second syllable with a separate /ɪ/ as in 'adjust' (aj-just) or turning it into /əˈdʒʌs/ without the final /t/. Another frequent issue is reducing the /dʒ/ to a dull /d/ or misplacing the tongue for the /dʒ/ blend. To correct: keep the /dʒ/ as a single affricate, ensure the /t/ is crisp after the /s/ by slightly releasing the tongue tip, and hold the /ə/ before /dʒ/ with a relaxed jaw to avoid over-articulation.
In US/UK/AU, the core is əˈdʒʌst or əˈdʒəst with slight vowel variation. US tends to use a slightly fuller /ʌ/ in the stressed vowel, while UK often leans toward a more centralized or shortened /ʌ/ or /ə/ depending on the speaker. Australian speakers may slightly reduce the first vowel before /dʒ/ and maintain a clear /t/ end. Across accents, rhoticity is not strongly relevant for this word, as /r/ is not present. Practice with minimal pairs to hear subtle vowel shifts.
The main challenge is the intricate /dʒ/ combination immediately after a schwa and before a tense /st/ cluster. The transition from the vowel to /dʒ/ requires a quick tongue movement and then a crisp /st/ release. Many speakers also flatten the vowel, making the stressed syllable sound weaker. Focus on a clean /ə/ before /dʒ/, then a sharp /st/ release. Recording yourself helps identify sloppiness in the /dʒ/ affricate and final consonant release.
A unique aspect is the rapid transition from the schwa to the affricate /dʒ/ within a single syllable, followed by an immediate /st/ cluster. Mastery requires maintaining a light, relaxed initial vowel while ensuring the /dʒ/ is articulate and the tongue tip clears the alveolar ridge for the /t/. The final /st/ should be crisp but not overly forceful, avoiding a prolonged air release.
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- US: rhotic, but 'adjust' has /ɹ/ not present; focus on the r-less onset of /dʒ/—stay with /əˈdʒʌst/ and allow a very light vowel before; - UK: may have a slightly more centralized vowel before /dʒ/ and a crisper /t/ in rapid speech; - AU: tends to maintain a very clean /əˈdʒəst/ with less vowel reduction, but watch for the /ə/ before /dʒ/ being too lax. Use IPA benchmarks: /əˈdʒʌst/ (US) vs /əˈdʒʌst/ (UK) vs /əˈdʒəst/ (AU) and adjust with schwa quality. - Consistency matters: keep the /dʒ/ as a unit and don’t let the vowel color of /ə/ bleed into /ʒ/.
Adjust comes from the Old French acorder, meaning to fit or suit, later influenced by the Middle English adgesten and a- prefix forms. The root idea is to bring into proper relation or alignment. The path from Latin and Romance languages involved semantic shifts from “to fit” or “to accord” toward the sense of making a small change to improve fit, performance, or suitability. In English, adjust began appearing in the 14th- to 15th-century period with meanings tied to arranging, preparing, or fitting. By the 17th century, it extended into mechanical contexts — adjusting a clock, a lever, or a dial — and by the 19th and 20th centuries, it broadened to general optimization and adaptation, including social or strategic adjustments. The word now carries both physical and metaphorical senses, including adjusting clothing, instrument settings, plans, or attitudes. The pervasive idea is incremental change toward better alignment with a target condition or requirement.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Adjust" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Adjust"
-ged sounds
-dge sounds
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