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 3a

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 of modification

• alteration
• change
• difference

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

Ward explained that not only was there ample space to position components in the right places, but there was a surprising amount of instances where modern equipment bolted to the ‘70s body with little need for modification. —Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 3 Dec. 2025

Despite endless controversy over the design—the building cost hundreds of millions of dollars and required extensive modifications to remain functional—the resident company has found a prominent place on the European scene. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

Some ships have undergone structural modifications to handle armored vehicles or heavy equipment better. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 1 Dec. 2025

Human modifications to coastal landscapes, such as seawalls and levees, can worsen flood risks, accelerate erosion and hinder the ability of coastal ecosystems to naturally adapt. —Daniel Peck, ABC News, 30 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modification

• behavioral modification
• behavior modification
• genetic modification
• pre-modification

Rhymes for modification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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