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
• redoing
• refashioning
• remaking
• remodeling
• revamping
• review
• revise
• revision
• reworking
• variation

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

Besides the frequency-band modification described above, hackers have developed and refined two-way, two-signal repeatersfor drones. —IEEE Spectrum, 10 Apr. 2024

The modifications, purportedly made with the gene-editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, were intended to confer immunity to HIV infection. —Ed Cara / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024

Sesame clinicians will begin by collecting a detailed medical history from each patient, and help patients with appropriate diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. —USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

These modifications increased the cost of construction towards the higher end of the cost spectrum the board was debating. —Claudia Levens, Journal Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2024

But during the pandemic, rising interest rates and property values left many homeowners unable to obtain modifications that reduced their monthly payments. —Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2024

After its latest modification to address some criticisms, the bill has now received the support of enough senators to give it its best chance of adoption. —David Kaye, Foreign Affairs, 21 Mar. 2024

Adding to the problem, insurers are discontinuing coverage of homes even after customers make fire protection modifications. —John Woolfolk, The Mercury News, 1 Apr. 2024

Making modifications to homes can help improve accessibility. —Peter Ross, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modification

• behavioral modification
• behavior modification
• pre-modification

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