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
If the error rate is 6 percent or higher, states would be subject to a sliding scale that could see their share of allotments rise to a range of between 15 percent and 25 percent.
—
Aris Folley, The Hill, 26 May 2025
Finishing top will bring in the region of €10m, with a sliding scale of merit payments all the way down to 36th.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
The United States should thus build its sanctions relief framework on a sliding scale that ties relief to domestic enrichment restrictions.
—Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
If the error rate is 6 percent or higher, states would be subject to a sliding scale that could see its share of allotments rise to a range of between 15 percent and 25 percent.
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for sliding scale
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.
Aris Folley, The Hill, 26 May 2025
Finishing top will bring in the region of €10m, with a sliding scale of merit payments all the way down to 36th.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
The United States should thus build its sanctions relief framework on a sliding scale that ties relief to domestic enrichment restrictions.
—Richard Nephew, Foreign Affairs, 26 May 2025
If the error rate is 6 percent or higher, states would be subject to a sliding scale that could see its share of allotments rise to a range of between 15 percent and 25 percent.
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 13 May 2025
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 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share