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

If confirmed by the Senate as Secretary of HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wants to tackle high rates of diabetes and obesity through lifestyle modification, including dietary and other behavioral changes. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

These modifications can allow players to customize what information is presented to them on-screen or pull up fully detailed maps with notes on every area. —Ryan Easby, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024

Researchers have also developed an AI model of the chemical modifications that turn genes on and off. —Alison Snyder, Axios, 24 Nov. 2024

City, who had pushed for this vote to be delayed, will retain their belief that the Premier League’s APT rules are flawed, but the short-term will now bring modification rather than overhaul. —Matt Slater, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modification

• behavioral modification
• behavior modification
• genetic 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