mod ‧ i ‧ fi ‧ ca ‧ tion AC /ˌmɒdəfəˈkeɪʃ ə n, ˌmɒdɪfəˈkeɪʃ ə n $ ˌmɑː-/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ modify ; noun : ↑ modification ; adjective : modified ≠ UNMODIFIED ]
1 . [countable] a small change made in something such as a design, plan, or system SYN alteration
modification to
We’ve made one or two modifications to the original design.
They have used the same process for almost 50 years with only minor modifications.
2 . [uncountable and countable] the act of modifying something, or the process of being modified SYN alteration
modification of
The review resulted in the modification of our security procedures.
modification in
Knowledge of the ill effects of tobacco has led to a modification in smoking behaviour.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ verbs
▪ make a modification
I made some modifications to the filing system.
▪ need modification ( also require modification formal )
Some of the older power stations urgently needed modification.
▪ undergo modification (=be changed)
The policy has undergone considerable modification since it was first introduced.
▪ incorporate a modification (=include a modification in something)
I've incorporated a few modifications into the program.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + modification
▪ a minor/slight modification (=a small modification)
The document needed a few slight modifications.
▪ a major modification
They made major modifications to the house to allow him to use his wheelchair.
▪ extensive modifications (=a lot of changes)
They had made extensive modifications to the script.
▪ considerable/substantial modification (=when something is changed a lot)
The existing system needed substantial modification.
▪ genetic modification (=when the DNA of a living thing is changed)
the genetic modification of plants and animals
▪ behaviour modification (=when someone changes their behaviour)
A star chart, in which you give a star to a child as a reward, is a simple behaviour modification technique.
▪ lifestyle modification (=when someone changes the way they live)
Lifestyle modification is the best way of dealing with moderately high blood pressure.