modernization

American  

[mod-er-nahy-zey-shuhn] / ˌmɒd ər naɪˈzeɪ ʃən /

especially British, modernisation

noun

modernizations plural

1. the act or process of making or becoming up-to-date, or the state of being up-to-date or modern.

   Los Angeles is investing billions in the first major modernization at LAX since the 1984 Olympics.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• antimodernization
  noun
• overmodernization
  noun
• remodernization
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• modernizations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of modernization

moderniz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )

Explanation

Modernization is the process of updating something or making it work in a contemporary setting. The modernization of an office might include new computers, high-speed internet, and a fancy espresso machine. Kitchen modernization usually means new appliances and expensive countertops—the kitchen ends up looking more modern and working in a modern way as well. The modernization of a Shakespeare play, on the other hand, may involve contemporary settings and clothing, or even updating language of the dialogue. Modernization comes via modern, from the Late Latin modernus, "modern," and ultimately the root modo, "just now."

Example Sentences

The United States voiced alarm Monday over Beijing's nuclear program after China test-fired a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean, the latest move in its rapid military modernization.

From Barron's • Jul. 7, 2026

Castlelake, according to the easyJet statement, will support the airline’s fleet modernization plan.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 6, 2026

“These actions represent a modernization effort focused on ensuring the United States remains the world leader in pharmaceutical innovation.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

The mission involved “supporting a local radar modernization program,” Hayes said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

The only hints of modernization were a few simple computer interfaces in unobtrusive corners.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman