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

The research that was conducted in Wuhan with federal support involved modifications to bat viruses to study their potential impact on humans. — Joe Walsh, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026

This includes mandatory cybersecurity training for staff, improvements to digital and human procedures including ACH payment verification processes, and controls within financial workflows, as well as modifications to IT staffing, said Gale. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026

Deadline, May 2024 (SAG award, Tremor House launch); Business Jet Traveler and aviation trade coverage (aircraft modification and FAA certification); Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (regulatory framework). — Gustaf Lundberg Toresson, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

The agency is also preparing weather modification operations such as cloud seeding as an additional measure. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026

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