modification
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˌɒdɪfɪkˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌmɑdəfəˈkeɪʃən/
Description
- change
- alteration
- adjustment
- small improvement
A modification is a change made to something that already exists. It is usually not a complete remake, but an adjustment that improves, updates, or adapts it. Think of changing a car: you are not building a new one, just changing parts to improve how it looks or works. You might ask for modifications to your meal at a restaurant, or suggest modifications to a plan to make it work better. The thing is changed, but it is still basically the same thing.
The word is also used in more formal settings. A teacher may suggest a modification to a sentence so it is clearer. A company may make modifications to a product after feedback from customers. So whether you are changing a recipe, adjusting a design, or updating a plan, a modification is a purposeful change made to something that is already there.
Modification refers to the act of changing something that already exists. The change is often small or gradual, but it can also be important if it helps the thing work better, fit a need, or solve a problem. Unlike creating something new or replacing it, modification means keeping the original thing and changing part of it.
You might modify a document before submitting it by adding details or fixing mistakes. A chef might modify a recipe based on the ingredients available or what a customer wants. In engineering, people make modifications during the design process to improve performance or deal with problems they did not expect. For example: "The engineers proposed several modifications to the bridge's structure."
The meaning stays similar across many fields. In law, it can mean a change to a contract or agreement. In computing, modifying code means changing an existing program to add features or fix bugs. In everyday life, people talk about modifications to homes, cars, schedules, diets, school plans, and many other things.
It is also used for changes people make in their habits or routines. "He made some modifications to his diet after receiving a diagnosis," or "She requested modifications to her work schedule." Whether the change is minor or more noticeable, modification is about adapting, improving, or adjusting something without starting from nothing.
Examples
- 1
Home renovation
We made a few modifications to the kitchen before moving in.
- 2
Design adjustment
The design needs a small modification to fit the new space.
- 3
Planning approval
The plan was approved with a few modifications.
- 4
Unchanged file
The file can be used without modification.
Phrase
without modification
exactly as it is, with no changes
- 5
Crop genetics
Genetic modification of crops remains controversial.
Domain
genetic modification
changing the genes of a plant or animal
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- modificationnoun
Forms
- modificationspluralnoun