modernization

UK: /ˌmɒdə^rnaɪˈzeɪʃ^ən/ US: /ˌmɑdɚnɪˈzeɪʃən/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

mod•ern•ize /ˈmɑdɚˌnaɪz/   v., -ized, -iz•ing. 

1. to (cause to) become modern: [~ + object]
   Our competitors modernized their equipment.
   [no object]
   If we hope to compete today we have to modernize.

mod•ern•i•za•tion /ˌmɑdɚnɪˈzeɪʃən/  n. [uncountable]
mod•ern•iz•er, n. [countable] See -mod-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mod•ern•ize  (mod′ər nīz′), v., -ized, -iz•ing. 
v.t. 

1. to make modern;
   give a new or modern character or appearance to:
   to modernize one's ideas; to modernize a kitchen.

v.i. 

2. to become modern;
   adopt modern ways, views, etc.

Also,[esp. Brit.,] mod′ern•ise′. 

• modern(ism) + -ize 1740–50

mod′ern•i•za′tion, n. 
mod′ern•iz′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. . renovate, refurbish, update.