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

Johnson framed it among other city efforts — like educating drivers on reckless driving or street modifications like lane reductions — improving the city’s issue of reckless driving. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 2 Oct. 2024

The fund catalyzed $2.1 billion in public and private investment and has provided over $1.4 billion in affordable loans, grants, and loan modifications to struggling small businesses. —Geri Stengel, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024

Since dam modifications would likely take several years to complete, there is no time to waste. —Zak Podmore, The Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2024

People with diabetes who take a GLP-1 peptide without diet and exercise modifications will lose less weight, usually around 3% or 4% of their body weight.18 People without diabetes who take one of these peptides in addition to diet and exercise changes will typically lose more weight. —Megan Nunn, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modification

• behavioral modification
• behavior modification
• genetic 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