ENGLISH
REFERENCE

augmentation

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //ˌɑɡmɛnˈteɪʃən// UK //ˌɔːɡmɛntˈeɪʃən// aug·men·ta·tion

n. the act of making something larger, better, or more complete by adding something to it.

n. the process of increasing the size, value, or effectiveness of something by addition. Often used in medical contexts to describe surgical enhancement or in technical contexts for data enhancement.


SIMPLE

The surgeon discussed the breast augmentation procedure with the patient.

CONTEXTUAL

The company focused on the augmentation of its existing software with new artificial intelligence features to stay competitive.

COMPLEX

In musical composition, augmentation involves the lengthening of time values of notes in a melodic line, effectively slowing the theme while maintaining its original intervallic structure.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English augmentation, augmentacion, augmentacioun, from Old French augmentacion, from Latin augmentātiō, verbal noun from augmentō (“increase”, verb).

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific instance or surgical procedure.

© 2026 English Reference