sliding scale

noun

1
: a wage scale geared to the selling price of the product or to the consumer price index but usually guaranteeing a minimum below which the wage will not fall
2
a
: a system for raising or lowering tariffs in accord with price changes
b
: a flexible scale (as of fees or subsidies) adjusted to the needs or income of individuals
the sliding scale of medical fees

Examples of sliding scale in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The best way to conceptualize the kind of return the Wizards would want is with a sliding scale. David Aldridge, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025 Use a sliding scale created by a mathematical formula. Len Fasano, Hartford Courant, 8 Jan. 2025 Under the Affordable Care Act, Americans had been eligible for financial assistance on a sliding scale based on income. Noah Weiland, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025 Between 20 and 30 years of substantial earnings, there is a sliding scale for the reduction, basically 10% a year from year 20 to year 30, or $61 per year. Thomas Hager, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sliding scale 

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sliding scale was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near sliding scale

Cite this Entry

“Sliding scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sliding%20scale. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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