innovation
gb/ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
B2
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B2
action
1
introduction of new ideas or methods
When people make new ideas, ways, or things to make something better.
Usage pattern:
[someone] brings/introduces [an] innovation
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'innovation' with 'invention'; 'invention' is about creating something entirely new, while 'innovation' can also mean improving existing things.
Synonyms
invention (Focuses more on creating something entirely new, rather than improving existing things.)
|
advancement (Highlights progress or improvement, not necessarily something completely new.)
Antonyms
tradition (Focuses on established customs and practices instead of new changes.)
|
stagnation (Refers to a lack of progress or change.)
Collocations
technological innovation
|drive innovation
|product innovation
|encourage innovation
|innovation strategy
Themes
business
|technology
|science
Examples
- The smartphone was a major innovation in communication.
- The company invests heavily in innovation to stay ahead of competitors.
- Innovation in renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future.
- Her latest innovation has transformed how we shop online.
- Government policies can encourage innovation in small businesses.
Learner examples
- The internet was an important innovation.
- This car has a new safety innovation.
- We need innovation to solve this problem.
- Her innovation made the machine faster.
- Innovation helps companies grow.
Noun
B2
entity
2
new device or method
A new thing or way that someone has made to improve something.
Usage pattern:
[an] innovation in [field/area]
Synonyms
creation (General term for something made; less focus on novelty or improvement.)
|
development (Emphasizes the process and result of making something better.)
Antonyms
outdated method (Refers to an old way that is no longer effective.)
Collocations
latest innovation
|medical innovation
|design innovation
Themes
technology
|business
|science
Examples
- The latest innovation in battery technology allows cars to travel farther.
- This medical innovation could save thousands of lives.
- Their design innovations set them apart from competitors.
Learner examples
- This phone has a new camera innovation.
- We saw an innovation in cooking tools.
- The hospital uses the latest medical innovations.
Grammar
Dictionary form
innovation
IPA
GB/ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - nov - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: innovation
- Plural: innovation, innovations
Word family
Forms
innovations
noun
Core family
Related words
innovatively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
uninnovative
adjective
Advanced or less common
innovatory
adjective
Expressions
drive innovation
1/dɹˈaɪv ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
promote creation of new ideas
To make people create new ideas, ways, or things.
Examples
- The company's culture helps drive innovation in all departments.
- Leaders should create an environment that drives innovation.
innovation hub
1/ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən hˈʌb/
fixed phrase
place developing new ideas and methods
A place where people work together to make new ideas and things.
Examples
- The city has become an innovation hub for startups.
- Universities can serve as local innovation hubs.
spur innovation
1/spˈɚ ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
stimulate creation of new ideas
To cause people to create new ideas or ways.
Examples
- Competition can spur innovation among technology firms.
- Government grants are designed to spur innovation in renewable energy.
technological innovation
1/tˌɛknəlˈɑd͡ʒɪkəl ˌɪnəvˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
creation of new technology
The act of creating or bringing in new technology, or a new technology itself.
Examples
- Technological innovation has changed how we communicate.
- The country is trying to encourage technological innovation through tax breaks.
- The festival showcased the year's most exciting technological innovations.
- Start-ups are often the main source of technological innovation in the digital economy.