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
Lithium royalties have also shifted to a sliding scale.
—
semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Fees can vary significantly, and some charge flat annual rates while others use a sliding scale based on account value.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Previously, there was a cap on how much money certain households would have to repay, on a sliding scale based on income, in order to avoid a financial shock during tax season.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
The megaproject agreements will fall under the control of the municipalities, and there’s a sliding scale for creating a minimum number of jobs to support the operations of these projects.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sliding scale
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semafor.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Fees can vary significantly, and some charge flat annual rates while others use a sliding scale based on account value.
—Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Previously, there was a cap on how much money certain households would have to repay, on a sliding scale based on income, in order to avoid a financial shock during tax season.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
The megaproject agreements will fall under the control of the municipalities, and there’s a sliding scale for creating a minimum number of jobs to support the operations of these projects.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sliding scale
Cite this Entry
“Sliding scale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sliding%20scale. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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