innovation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the act of introducing new ideas, methods, or products to improve a situation.
the abstract process of introducing new methods, ideas, or products. Often used uncountably to describe a culture or drive for progress.
Simple“The company encourages innovation by giving employees time to work on their own projects.”
In context“Technological innovation within the renewable energy sector has significantly reduced the cost of solar power over the last decade.”
UsageOften used uncountably when referring to the general concept or ability to innovate.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a specific new invention, method, or idea that has been created.
a specific new method, idea, or device that deviates from established standards. Countable in this sense.
Simple“The latest smartphone includes several innovations that make it easier to use.”
In context“The architect's design was full of structural innovations that allowed for vast open spaces without the need for support pillars.”
UsageUsed as a countable noun when referring to distinct, individual changes or inventions.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a new part of a plant that grows every year, especially in moss.
a newly formed shoot or the annual addition to the stems of certain plants, particularly mosses.
Simple“The scientist examined the new innovation on the moss to see how much it grew.”
In context“The researcher documented each innovation on the bryophyte samples to track the seasonal growth patterns in the arctic environment.”
“Ferrari's chief design officer Flavio Manzoni said in an interview in May that critics are part of the innovation process and that he believed people would come to appreciate the Luce.”
“What receives less attention is how the capacity for future innovation is created and sustained.”
Borrowed from Middle French innovation, from Old French innovacion, from Late Latin innovatio, innovationem, from Latin innovo, innovatus. Morphologically innovate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.