modification

noun

mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmä-də-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
1
: the limiting of a statement : qualification
with some modifications this statement is true todayJ. B. Conant
2
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 conditionsJohn 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

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 And while the handgun modification uniquely affects Glock pistols, the manufacturer has done nothing to stop it, the city of Chicago alleged in a new lawsuit against Glock Inc. Kim Bellware, Washington Post, 21 Mar. 2024 The modification cost a staggering $171,600 (£135,000) to complete, according to the auction house. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2024 Yet, true to K-Stew’s signature aesthetic, subtle modifications, coupled with an effortlessly cool demeanour, have elevated each look to a new level. Alex Kessler, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2024 The bond, which Carroll's legal team didn't object to after Trump's team agreed to a slight modification of the details, will prevent her from collecting on her $83.3 million defamation trial win against the Republican national frontrunner while the appeal Trump filed on Friday runs its course. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 But the Dodgers are already noticing the benefits of Muncy’s winter modifications. Mike Digiovanna, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Nonetheless, a significant chasm exists in ensuring dietary modification for those living with chronic health issues is more than just a New Year’s fad and that healthy food routinely finds its way into kitchen cupboards and ultimately onto plates. Gus Alexiou, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The modifications included lengthening the body by 10 inches, lowering it and giving it a new rear aero kit, as well as a new exhaust setup. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 This might be walking without crutches or a boot, doing an overhead press without shoulder pain, or returning to a group fitness class (with appropriate modifications, of course). Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 4 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modification.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of modification was in 1603

Dictionary Entries Near modification

Cite this Entry

“Modification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modification. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modification

noun
mod·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌmäd-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce modification (audio)
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 How to pronounce modification (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on modification

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