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
Reeve also offers sliding scale pricing, with up to 50 percent off for transgender clients seeking gender-affirming services.
—
Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 27 June 2024
Finding a therapist may seem intimidating, but many therapists on Psychology Today offer sliding scale appointments based on income and other factors.
—Brittany Leitner, StyleCaster, 25 June 2024
As part of that sliding scale, categories could potentially expand to as many as eight nominees — or as few as two, depending on how many contenders were submitted in each race.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 June 2024
Some airlines use a sliding scale of fees for extra charges like seat selection and pricing for award trips using frequent flier miles—the more in-demand the route or travel window, the higher the cost for these services.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sliding scale 
Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 27 June 2024
Finding a therapist may seem intimidating, but many therapists on Psychology Today offer sliding scale appointments based on income and other factors.
—Brittany Leitner, StyleCaster, 25 June 2024
As part of that sliding scale, categories could potentially expand to as many as eight nominees — or as few as two, depending on how many contenders were submitted in each race.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 24 June 2024
Some airlines use a sliding scale of fees for extra charges like seat selection and pricing for award trips using frequent flier miles—the more in-demand the route or travel window, the higher the cost for these services.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for sliding scale
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sliding scale.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 4 Jul. 2024.
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