Main Entry: sliding scale

Function: noun

Date: 1842

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>