alteration
gb/ˌɔltɚˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɔltɚˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 3500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
A change or adjustment
A small or complete change made to something.
Usage pattern:
an alteration to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'alteration' (countable, specific change) with 'change' (which can be broader and uncountable).
Synonyms
modification (Often used for technical or formal changes, especially in products or systems.)
Antonyms
preservation (Keeping something in its original state without change.)
Collocations
make an alteration
|minor alteration
|significant alteration
|structural alteration
Themes
daily life
|work
|design
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The tailor made an alteration to the dress so it would fit better.
- We need to make some alterations to the plan before presenting it.
- The building underwent several alterations during its renovation.
- Any alterations to the contract must be approved by both parties.
Learner examples
- The shop made an alteration to my shirt.
- We made an alteration to our travel plan.
- She asked for an alteration to the dress.
Noun
A2
action
2
Clothing adjustment for fit
A small change made to clothes so they fit well.
Usage pattern:
an alteration on [a garment]
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize that 'alteration' in this sense is common in clothing stores and often pluralized as 'alterations'.
Synonyms
adjustment (A more general term that can apply to many contexts, not just clothing.)
Collocations
pants alteration
|dress alteration
|alteration service
Themes
daily life
|fashion
|clothing
|daily_life
Examples
- I took my suit for alterations before the wedding.
- The shop offers free alterations on all purchases.
- She had a quick alteration done to shorten the sleeves.
Learner examples
- I need an alteration for my pants.
- The store does free alterations.
- He had an alteration on his jacket.
Noun
technical
B2
action
3
Scientific structural change
A change in how something is built or made inside, often in science.
Synonyms
mutation (Specifically refers to genetic changes; more precise in biology.)
Collocations
genetic alteration
|structural alteration
|DNA alteration
Themes
science
Examples
- Scientists studied the genetic alterations caused by the experiment.
- The mineral showed alterations after exposure to heat.
- Alterations in the ecosystem can affect many species.
Learner examples
- The scientist saw an alteration in the plant's DNA.
- Heat made an alteration in the rock.
- An alteration in the cells can cause disease.
Grammar
Dictionary form
alteration
IPA
GB/ˌɔltɚˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌɔltɚˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
al - ter - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ter)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: alteration
- Plural: alteration, alterations
Word family
Forms
alterations
noun
Core family
alter
verb B1
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unalterable
adjective
Expressions
alterations department
1/ˌɔltɚˈeɪʃənz dɪpˈɑɹtmənt/
fixed phrase
Store area for clothing changes
Part of a store where they change clothes so they fit you.
Examples
- Take your suit to the alterations department for fitting.
- The alterations department is on the second floor.
make an alteration
1/mˈeɪk ən ˌɔltɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
To change something slightly
To change something a little bit.
Examples
- We had to make an alteration to the design after the client’s feedback.
- She made a quick alteration to her speech before going on stage.