What does "innovation" mean?
The act of innovating; the introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc.
Innovation
/ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of innovating; the introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc.
- Grammar: innovation is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: advance guard, alteration, archetype, authenticity.
- Useful contrasts: administrative tradition, ancient ruins, cultural tradition.
- Usage evidence: Technological innovation brought about the rapid progress of the information industry.
How to use "innovation"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "innovation" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "innovation" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "innovation" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "innovation" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "innovation" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "advance guard" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "innovation", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of innovating; the introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc. countable, uncountable
"The US supreme court has ruled unanimously that natural human genes cannot be patented, a decision that scientists and civil rights campaigners said removed a major barrier to patient care and medical innovation. […] He said there would be "considerable danger" that without such an exception, the granting of patent would "tie up" the use of such tools and future innovation based on them."
- 2 the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new wordnet
- 3 A change effected by innovating; a change in customs. countable, uncountable
"The others, whose time had been more actively employed, began to shew symptoms of innovation,—"the good wine did its good office." The frost of etiquette, and pride of birth, began to give way before the genial blessings of this benign constellation, and the formal appellatives with which the three dignitaries had hitherto addressed each other, were now familiarly abbreviated into Tully, Bally, and Killie."
- 4 a creation (a new device or process) resulting from study and experimentation wordnet
- 5 Something new, and contrary to established customs, manners, or rites. countable, uncountable
"One of the remarkable innovations in concrete technology is the development of self-healing cementitious materials through the incorporation of bacterial agents."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 the creation of something in the mind wordnet
- 7 A newly formed shoot, or the annually produced addition to the stems of many mosses. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
administrative traditionancient ruinscultural traditioncustomary practice
Example
"Technological innovation brought about the rapid progress of the information industry."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "innovation"?
Common synonyms include: advance guard, alteration, archetype, authenticity, avant garde, avant-garde.
How do you use "innovation" in a sentence?
Technological innovation brought about the rapid progress of the information industry.
How do you pronounce "innovation"?
Pronounced /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French innovation, from Old French innovacion, from Late Latin innovatio, innovationem, from Latin innovo, innovatus. Morphologically innovate + -ion.