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

While the chain’s appeal included some modifications, such as a revised landscaping plan to help with light concerns, changes to traffic plans for the site were not offered. —Rose Evans september 10, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025

Somewhat miraculously given the early reception, the second plan eventually passed with modifications. —Kim Velsey, Curbed, 9 Sep. 2025

The new regulations also mandated documentation of the history and origin of the floating home being relocated, the mooring location of the houseboat during the previous 12 months and descriptions of all modifications completed on the floating home. —Richard Halstead, Mercury News, 9 Sep. 2025

Some of the first tank modifications came early in the war, when the main threats to military vehicles were Ukraine’s anti-tank missiles, supplied by the United States, and drones that dropped grenades. —Marco Hernandez, New York Times, 8 Sep. 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