modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the limiting of a statement : qualification

with some modifications this statement is true today

—J. B. Conant

2

: mode entry 1 sense 6a

3

a

: the making of a limited change in something

making the exactly minimum degree of modification to her institutions necessary to fit them to new conditions

—John Strachey

also : the result of such a change

b

: a change in an organism caused by environmental factors

4

: a limitation or qualification (see qualification sense 1) of the meaning of a word by another word, by an affix, or by internal change

Synonyms

• alteration
• change
• difference
• redoing
• refashioning
• remaking
• remodeling
• revamping
• review
• revise
• revision
• reworking
• variation

Examples of modification in a Sentence

The program can be used on all computers without modification.

They passed the law with only a few minor modifications.

The weather required some major modifications to our travel plans.

Recent Examples on the Web

Most companies initially created the role around 2020 or later to facilitate large-scale business modifications over a much longer span of time. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 21 June 2024

Mayor Adams’ modifications to the right to shelter consent decrees for migrants were necessary. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 13 June 2024

This week, the City Council authorized a study to figure out how to do just that — while adding more speed bumps, roundabouts and other street modifications to reduce speeding and unsafe driving. —Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2024

Albedo modification refers to changes in the amount of sunlight reflected away from the planet. —Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 10 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modification

• behavioral modification
• behavior modification
• pre-modification

Kids Definition

modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: the act of modifying

b

: the state of being modified

2

: the limiting of a statement : qualification

3

: the result of modifying : partial change

modification of plans

Medical Definition

modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or result of modifying something

2

: a change in an organism that is not inherited and that is caused by the influence of its environment