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

Its design uses thermoelectric cooling built directly into the lid, meaning users do not need bags of ice, external chillers or plumbing modifications. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Despite its streamlined simplicity and modest spec, the Lightcamp is ultimately a more comprehensive conversion than the typical camper kit, extending into permanent base van modification. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026

That one burned down in 1949 and was replaced the following year by a structure used through 2024 with only a modest modifications. — ABC News, 9 July 2026

The Nimitz, a pop culture icon, never received full F-35 modifications despite hosting the first F-35C carrier landing. — Peter Suciu, Forbes.com, 8 July 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