From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishmodificationmod‧i‧fi‧ca‧tion /ˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən $ ˌmɑː-/ ●○○ AWL noun 1 [countable]CHANGE/MAKE something DIFFERENT a small change made in something such as a design, plan, or system SYN alterationmodification 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 [countable, uncountable]CHANGE/MAKE something DIFFERENT the act of modifying something, or the process of being modified SYN alterationmodification 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 – Meanings 1 & 2verbsmake a modificationI 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 + modificationa minor/slight modification (=a small modification)The document needed a few slight modifications.a major modificationThey 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 animalsbehaviour 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.
Examples from the Corpus
modification• It took effect a year ago and is a modification to the federal funeral rule enacted in 1984.• The second plan was a modification of this.• The editor suggested a few modifications to the text.• This treaty was ratified at Calais on 24 October 1360, with one important modification.• Volvo made modifications to the car to ensure passenger safety.• The new modifications made it the finest of aircraft.• There is no modification needed to the bulkhead.• This is done by a small modification to the routine described earlier in this chapter.• We need to make some modifications to our teaching program.• The crews made on-the-spot modifications to increase protection, firepower, or creature comforts.• And finally, the modifications of the bones of the prey.animals might also be predator-specific.• Observers commented that the modifications would make only a token difference to the King's real power.• The equipment can be used without modification.made ... modifications• The programs were tried out extensively with my own students, and from their feedback I made several modifications. 