# reform

/ɹəˈfɔɹm/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reform
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. improvement of a system

noun · CEFR B2

a change made to a system, law, or organization to make it better or fairer.

For teachers: the improvement or amendment of what is wrong, corrupt, or unsatisfactory in a system or law.

- The government is planning a major reform of the healthcare system next year.
- Economic reform remains a priority for the administration as they attempt to address the widening gap between urban and rural incomes.

Usage: Often used with 'of' to indicate the system being changed.

### 2. to improve a system

verb · CEFR B2

to make changes to a system or law so that it works better.

For teachers: to improve a system, law, or institution by making changes to its structure or practice.

- They want to reform the tax laws to help small businesses grow.
- The new director was hired specifically to reform the department's outdated procurement processes and reduce waste.

### 3. to change personal behavior

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to stop behaving badly and start living a better life.

For teachers: to abandon evil or immoral ways and adopt a better way of life; can be used transitively or intransitively.

- After spending time in prison, he promised to reform and help his community.
- The program aims to reform young offenders by providing them with vocational training and psychological support.

### 4. Reform Judaism

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

relating to a branch of Judaism that adapts traditional laws to modern life.

For teachers: relating to Reform Judaism, a major Jewish denomination that emphasizes the evolving nature of the religion.

- They attend a Reform synagogue that holds services in both Hebrew and English.
- Reform theology typically views the Torah as a living document that must be interpreted in the context of contemporary social values.

## Examples

- The government promised a major reform of the tax system.
- After the scandal, the committee introduced sweeping reforms to ensure that public funds would be managed more transparently.
- While the proposed healthcare reform aimed to expand coverage to uninsured citizens, critics argued it would place an unsustainable financial burden on small businesses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.