noun
-
an adjustment, change, or modification
-
the act of altering or state of being altered
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of alteration
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English alteracioun, from Medieval Latin alterātiōn-, stem of alterātiō; equivalent to alter + -ation
Explanation
The pants are too long, the jacket too tight and the vest is too short. Looks like your suit is in need of some serious alteration, or adjustment. No one knows alterations like tailors. All they do is adjust, modify and otherwise alter people's ill fitting clothes. But hemlines aren't the only things that can undergo alteration. Savvy scientists may someday make alterations to genetic sequencing — just like Dr. Jekyll underwent some serious alterations to become Mr. Hyde.
Vocabulary lists containing alteration
Vocabulary from The Articles of Confederation
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Alfonsi refused, arguing — correctly, as it turned out — that administration officials refused to appear on air and that any alteration would reflect poorly on the network.
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
"The method captured not only the distinction between life and nonlife, but also degrees of preservation and alteration."
From Science Daily • May 12, 2026
Meanwhile Coparmex, an association of business owners, said the sudden alteration would create uncertainty for employees and employers alike.
From BBC • May 9, 2026
Among other counts, he’s charged with conspiracy and “destruction, alteration, or falsification” of government documents.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
The alteration — for example "flat five" or "sharp nine" — is listed in the chord symbol.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
