sliding scale

sliding scale

noun

: a system in which the amount that people are required to pay in fees, taxes, etc., changes according to different situations or conditions

Full Definition of SLIDING SCALE

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>

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First Known Use of SLIDING SCALE

1842

Rhymes with SLIDING SCALE

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