Definition

1. Verb:
   • To adjust again or differently: To make a new or further adjustment to something; to alter or modify something a second or subsequent time.
   • To adapt oneself again: To become accustomed to a new or changed situation, environment, or set of conditions after an initial period of adjustment.

Usage and Examples

• Verb (Transitive) - To adjust something again:
  • The mechanic had to readjust the brakes after the test drive.
  • Please readjust your seatbelt; it seems loose.
• Verb (Intransitive/Reflexive) - To adapt oneself again:
  • It took months for her to readjust to civilian life after leaving the army.
  • When you return from a long trip, you need time to readjust.

Advanced Usage

• "to readjust to something": This is the most common construction when referring to adapting oneself.
  • Immigrants often face challenges when trying to readjust to their home culture after years abroad.
• "to readjust one's thinking/attitude/expectations": Used figuratively to mean changing one's mindset.
  • After the market crash, investors had to readjust their expectations for returns.

Variants and Related Words

• Readjustment (noun): The act or process of readjusting.
  • The readjustment period after a major life change can be difficult.
• Adjust (verb): The base word meaning to change or move something slightly to improve it or make it fit.
• Readapt (verb): A close synonym, often used interchangeably with "readjust" in the context of personal adaptation.

Synonyms

• Readapt: To adapt again.
• Reacclimate: To become accustomed to a climate or situation again.
• Reorient: To adjust or align something again; to find one's position again.
• Recalibrate: To calibrate (adjust precisely) again, often used in technical or figurative contexts.

Antonyms

• Stabilize: To make or become unlikely to change or fail.
• Fix: To fasten or place securely; to make definite or permanent.

Related Phrases

• Period of readjustment: A common phrase describing the time needed to adapt again.
  • The merger will be followed by a necessary period of readjustment for all staff.

Verb

1. adjust again after an initial failure
2. adjust anew
   • After moving back to America, he had to readjust