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.
Notably, Meta structured its own commitment on a sliding scale tied to industry adoption. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 The cost of the camp is assessed on a sliding scale according to income and need with four payment tiers ranging from free to $650. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 That agreement created the ATP Masters 1000 Bonus Pool, which last year accounted for $21 million, distributed between the best performers in those events and the ATP Tour Finals on a sliding scale. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Knowing this ahead of time can help people budget for end-of-life doula care or find doulas who offer services on a sliding scale. — Jane Callahan, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 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

Rhymes for sliding scale

See All Rhymes for sliding scale

Browse Nearby Words

sliding rule
sliding scale
sliding seat
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sliding scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sliding%20scale. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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