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

Providers can screen you for depressive symptoms and work with you to determine the best treatment plan, which can involve therapy, medication, or lifestyle modifications. —Karen Pallarito, Health, 12 June 2024

In addition, the ballpark required $2.2 million in modifications to accommodate a football field. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2024

Based in Hawthorne, California, Unplugged Performance has sold various Tesla model modification packages since 2013. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 6 June 2024

At the sprawling estate, trainers specialize in puppy training, advanced off-leash obedience, behavior modification and service dog training. —Alexandra Maloney, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 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