sliding scale

noun

a variable scale, especially of industrial costs, as wages, that may be adapted to changes in demand.
a wage scale varying with the selling price of goods produced, the cost of living, or profits.
a price scale, as of medical fees, in which prices vary according to the ability of individuals to pay.
a tariff scale varying according to changing prices.

sliding scale

a variable scale according to which specified wages, tariffs, prices, etc, fluctuate in response to changes in some other factor, standard, or conditions

sliding scale

A set of rates that change according to a mathematical formula. The income tax, for example, is levied on a sliding scale, with the rich paying a higher percentage than the poor.

First recorded in 1700–10

In France, parents pay for their childcare on a sliding scale based on their income—the rest is subsidized by the government.

Then, I grade each destination on each of those factors, on a sliding scale from “awful” to “ideal.”

Most prisons issue incident reports on a sliding scale from 100 series (highest severity) to 400 series (lowest severity).

Thakor ran the numbers and showed me the results on a sliding scale that reflected a range of potential interest rates.

Aid will be offered on a sliding scale—families making less would pay less.

Peremptorily the steel magnates refused to continue the sliding scale previously agreed upon as a guarantee of peace.

The motion was seconded by Mr. Fielden, and supported by Mr. Aglionby, who declared the new sliding-scale was a delusion.

For three years there was to be a lowered duty on a sliding scale, and then the ports were to be opened entirely.

Brand rose and tapped the barometer, adjusting the sliding scale to read the tenths.

The sliding scale aims at the establishment of a numerical ratio between the rate of wage and the price of coal.

Browse