Word
Definitions
01the process of creating new things
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. the act of introducing new ideas, methods, or products to improve a situation.
n. the abstract process of introducing new methods, ideas, or products. Often used uncountably to describe a culture or drive for progress.
日本語:革新※
“The company encourages innovation by giving employees time to work on their own projects.”
“Technological innovation within the renewable energy sector has significantly reduced the cost of solar power over the last decade.”
Usage
Often used uncountably when referring to the general concept or ability to innovate.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a new invention or idea
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a specific new invention, method, or idea that has been created.
n. a specific new method, idea, or device that deviates from established standards. Countable in this sense.
日本語:イノベーション※
“The latest smartphone includes several innovations that make it easier to use.”
“The architect's design was full of structural innovations that allowed for vast open spaces without the need for support pillars.”
Usage
Used as a countable noun when referring to distinct, individual changes or inventions.
Synonyms
03plant growth
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical
n. a new part of a plant that grows every year, especially in moss.
n. a newly formed shoot or the annual addition to the stems of certain plants, particularly mosses.
“The scientist examined the new innovation on the moss to see how much it grew.”
“The researcher documented each innovation on the bryophyte samples to track the seasonal growth patterns in the arctic environment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “innovation” in context.
Verb
01. drive innovation
“Competition between tech companies continues to drive innovation in smartphone design.”
verb + noun
02. encourage innovation
“The new government policy aims to encourage innovation in the renewable energy sector.”
verb + noun
03. stifle innovation
“Excessive bureaucracy can often stifle innovation within large corporations.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. constant innovation
“In a fast-moving market, constant innovation is essential for survival.”
adj + noun
05. groundbreaking innovation
“The scientist was awarded a prize for her groundbreaking innovation in medical imaging.”
adj + noun
06. technological innovation
“Recent technological innovations have completely transformed the way we communicate.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. pace of innovation
“Many people find it difficult to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in AI.”
noun + of + noun
08. product innovation
“The company is focusing on product innovation to attract younger customers.”
noun + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” “But Alpex didn’t have the means to commercialize this innovation, so it pitched the idea to Fairchild.” Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/innovation
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0