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

See Examples For:

modernization modernizations

Already, tens of thousands of jobs have come back to Southern California due to the modernization of the film and TV tax credit program, he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

There’s a righteous feminist rage underneath the scene as well, a modernization that brings “The Odyssey” fiercely and disturbingly up to date.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 2026

Networks sales in Europe also declined as modernization projects in some markets were gradually completed.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

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

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Appearing on shelves in mid-June, the new Ninja Turtles action figures have the signature Playmates Toys seal and are in keeping with the original character's color-schemes and trademark weapons, with noticeable modernizations.

From Salon ● Aug. 6, 2023

Scott says that these modernizations are the industry’s prime directive.

From Slate ● Jul. 28, 2023

Announced last week, the latest modernizations to ALMA—officially the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, which sits high in the Chilean Andes—will cost $37 million and take 6 years to complete.

From Science Magazine ● Feb. 15, 2023

The alleged cyberattack comes after years of WiFi infrastructure upgrades at Howard — modernizations that campus spokesman Frank Tramble said helped officials quickly shut down the university’s system and detect the problem early.

From Washington Post ● Sep. 8, 2021

Clever modernizations of old Colonial manses, extensions in Victorian wood, capacious Greek Revival temples lined the street, as impressive and just as forbid ding as ever.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles