non-adjustable

IPA/nˈɒnɐdʒˈʌstəbəl/
IPA/nˈɑːnɐdʒˈʌstəbəl/

non-adjustable — adjective

1. made to stay at one setting, size, or position, so users cannot change it.

1.adjectiveC1
Definition

made to stay at one setting, size, or position, so users cannot change it.

Example

The classroom chairs are non-adjustable, so shorter students use cushions.

predicative: be non-adjustable

Mina returned the non-adjustable helmet because it pressed on her ears.

non-adjustable + equipment noun

Common collocations
  • non-adjustable chair
  • non-adjustable desk
  • non-adjustable helmet
  • non-adjustable lamp
  • non-adjustable bench
Synonyms
  • fixed

    broad word for something set in one place or form

  • preset

    stresses that the setting was chosen earlier

  • rigid

    can suggest physical stiffness rather than user settings

Antonyms
  • adjustable

    can be changed to fit different users or situations

  • flexible

    broader; able to bend or be changed more easily

Grammar Patterns

a non-adjustable + object

be non-adjustable

Usage Note

Most often used for furniture, equipment, prices, or parts that come in one fixed form. Distinguish from adjustable: non-adjustable stresses that the user has no way to change it.

Common Mistakes

The chair is unadjustable.
The chair is non-adjustable.
non-adjustable is the normal everyday form.
This desk is non-adjustable for my height.
This desk is non-adjustable, so it does not fit my height.
non-adjustable describes the object, not the person.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

For adjective sense 1, non-adjustable is the clearest word when a product or system gives the user no way to change size, position, or setting. Fixed is broader: a fixed shelf stays in one place, and a fixed price may simply be decided in advance. Preset focuses on a setting chosen earlier, especially on machines or apps, and users may sometimes switch to another preset later. Rigid often describes stiffness or an unwilling attitude, so it is not the best label for product controls. Locked stresses that a part cannot move now, which may be temporary. Use non-adjustable for built-in limits, such as a non-adjustable seat on a budget bike.

non-adjustable ↗fixed ↗presetrigid ↗locked ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • non-adjustable chair
  • non-adjustable desk
  • non-adjustable lamp
  • non-adjustable rate

Phrases

  • be non-adjustable from the factory
  • replace a non-adjustable part

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Non-adjustable combines the negative prefix non- with adjustable. Adjustable comes from adjust, a verb that entered English through French and ultimately goes back to Latin words about bringing something into line or making it fit. The full adjective therefore means that something is not made to be altered by the user.