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

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

Staffing shortages are contributing to ground delays, longer wait times and travel modifications at airports across the country due to the government shutdown. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 8 Oct. 2025

The Alienware Aurora 16 falls right in the middle, featuring an Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 graphics card that delivers solid HD graphics to the attractive 16-inch display and enables on-device AI image modification. —PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025

The vehicle has a more aerodynamic body—the modifications produce over 1,100 pounds of downforce—as well as a monocoque made from a carbon-titanium material that’s lighter than that featured in the standard version of the open-top speed machine. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2025

Also in the plans are new diagonal parking, water main replacement, storm sewer modifications, landscaping, new sidewalks and a new traffic signal at North Consaul Place and East Silver Spring Drive. —Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 7 Oct. 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