Sliding Scale

Pronunciation: /ˈslaɪdɪŋ skeɪl/

Definitions of sliding scale

noun A scale or system in which different rates or prices are set according to a particular variable, such as income or level of need.

Example Sentences

A1 A sliding scale is a way to adjust prices based on income.

A2 The clinic offers a sliding scale for patients who cannot afford the full cost of treatment.

B1 Many schools use a sliding scale to determine financial aid for students.

B2 The organization implemented a sliding scale fee structure to make their services more accessible.

C1 The government is considering implementing a sliding scale tax system to ensure fairness.

C2 The company's new pricing model includes a sliding scale based on usage levels.

Examples of sliding scale in a Sentence

formal The clinic offers a payment plan based on a sliding scale depending on income.

informal The gym membership fees are on a sliding scale, so you pay according to how often you go.

slang My boss said my bonus would be on a sliding scale depending on how well the project goes.

figurative The success of the marketing campaign will be on a sliding scale, determined by the number of leads generated.

Grammatical Forms of sliding scale

• plural: sliding scales
• comparative: more sliding scale
• superlative: most sliding scale
• present tense: slide scale
• future tense: will slide scale
• perfect tense: have slid scale
• continuous tense: is sliding scale
• singular: sliding scale
• positive degree: sliding scale
• infinitive: to slide scale
• gerund: sliding scaling
• participle: sliding scaled

Origin and Evolution of sliding scale

First Known Use: 1834 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'sliding scale' originated from the practice of using a physical scale that could move or slide to adjust measurements or values.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to describe a scale that could be adjusted by sliding, the term 'sliding scale' evolved to refer to a flexible system of pricing or payment based on various factors such as income or quantity. It is now commonly used in a figurative sense to describe a system that can be adjusted or varied depending on circumstances.