modernization

American  

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

especially British, modernisation

noun

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

• antimodernization
  noun
• overmodernization
  noun
• remodernization
  noun

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

Though shares traded higher on their first day of trading—and have risen meteorically since—Wall Street scoffed at the attempted modernization.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

At the same time, Dell’s traditional server business should benefit from data-center modernization and refreshes.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

Whitesides touted his success in bringing home federal funding for community colleges, job training programs, transportation improvements, support for aerospace companies, road improvements in the Antelope Valley and a rail modernization project.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The networks unit registered sales growth across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, driven by network modernization as well as 5G launches and rollouts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman