modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
with some modifications this statement is true todayJ. B. Conant
2
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 conditionsJohn 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While outwardly similar to the baseline J-20, subtle modifications hint at significant improvements. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025 This could include some sort of novel, exotic form of mass or energy, a non-standard form of dark matter or dark energy that decays or otherwise interacts, or a modification to one or more laws of physics. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 2 Sep. 2025 The Maia 200 has been rescheduled to 2026, while Braga-R and Clea have been postponed to 2028 or beyond due to design modifications and other challenges. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 In order to combat this, researchers suggested that a few simple modifications be made to bagans and boats, including removing sharp edges. Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modification

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modification was in 1603

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Cite this Entry

“Modification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modification. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
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 How to pronounce modification (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on modification

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