1. a change in attitude, behavior, or both by an individual on the basis of some recognized need or desire to change, particularly to account for the current environment or changing, atypical, or unexpected conditions. It may be assessed via a type of survey called an adjustment inventory, which compares a person’s emotional and social adjustment with a representative sample of other individuals. A well-adjusted person is one who satisfies needs in a healthy, beneficial manner and demonstrates appropriate social and psychological responses to situations and demands.

2. modification to match a standard. See method of adjustment. —adjust vb.