innovation
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/
- /ˌɪnoʊˈveɪʃən/
Description
- new idea
- better way
- useful change
- fresh approach
Innovation is about bringing in something new or making something work in a better way. It can mean a new product, a new method, or a smart improvement to something that already exists. It is not limited to big scientific breakthroughs. A company finding a simpler way to serve customers, a teacher trying a clearer way to explain a lesson, or a designer creating a more useful tool can all be examples of innovation.
People often connect innovation with progress because it usually aims to solve problems, save time, reduce cost, or improve daily life. Sometimes it is a dramatic change that shifts a whole industry, but often it is made of small steps and practical ideas that slowly make things better.
Innovation is the process of introducing a new idea, method, product, or way of doing things, especially when it brings real improvement or value. It is closely related to invention, but the two are not exactly the same. Invention is about creating something for the first time, while innovation often means applying a new idea in practice or improving what already exists in a meaningful way.
We often think of innovation in connection with technology, such as the smartphone, online banking, or renewable energy. But the word is much broader than that. It can also describe a new business model, a better healthcare process, a fresh teaching method, or a more effective way to organize public services. In everyday use, the word usually suggests change that is useful, practical, and forward-looking.
The word often has a positive tone because people use it for changes that improve efficiency, solve problems, or open new possibilities. Still, not every new development helps everyone in the same way. Some changes create new problems while solving old ones. Social media, for example, is widely seen as an innovation in communication, but it has also raised concerns about privacy, misinformation, and mental health.
You will frequently see the word in business, technology, education, healthcare, and government. People speak of "innovation" when they want to highlight new thinking that leads to better results. In that sense, the word does not only point to novelty; it also carries the idea of usefulness, impact, and change in real life.
Examples
- 1
Business success
The company became successful through constant innovation.
- 2
Digital exhibits
The museum is known for its innovation in digital exhibits.
Pattern
innovation in + area
new ideas or methods in that area
- 3
Agriculture
Small farms need innovation to survive in a changing climate.
- 4
Healthcare app
One useful innovation was a phone app that lets patients book appointments online.
Meaning
an innovation
one new idea, method, or product
- 5
Leadership
Good leaders encourage innovation instead of punishing mistakes.
- 6
Clean energy
The government has promised more support for innovation in clean energy.
- 7
Organization culture
The new director wants to build a culture of innovation across the whole organization.
Phrase
a culture of innovation
an environment where new ideas are encouraged
- 8
Battery technology
Over the past decade, the industry has seen major innovations in battery technology.
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- innovationnoun
Forms
- innovationspluralnoun