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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Under Harris’s proposal, coverage and cost-sharing would be decided on a sliding scale based on income. Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2024 Medicare would create a sliding scale for beneficiary cost-sharing for the long-term care services. Ivana Saric, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024 Tickets are $30 (subject to change, increasing on a sliding scale depending on availability), $15 for students and military with a valid ID. Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 28 Sep. 2024 Those charges carry a statutory maximum sentence of around 110 years, but there’s a sliding scale that takes into account the scope of the crimes and the criminal history of the defendant. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 24 Sep. 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 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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