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 health care sector’s highest earner was Summit Therapeutics co-CEO Mahkam Zanganeh at $246 million, which included an option award modification the company disclosed in its filings. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 20 June 2026

The Air Force has said in the past that security modifications to the jet would cost less than $400 million. —Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026

The first area involves standard compatibility testing, which determines if ProLogium’s current battery architectures can integrate directly into existing aviation electrical systems without structural modifications. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 20 June 2026

The Air Force has said in the past that security modifications to the jet would cost less than $400 million. —Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 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