Word
retrofit
Phoneticsretro·fit
US/ˈɹɛtɹoʊˌfɪt/
UK/ɹˌɛtɹəʊfˈɪt/
Definitions
01to modernize a structure or machine
C1 · Advanced Technical
v. to add new parts or technology to an old building or machine to make it work better.
v. to supply a device or structure with new components or parts that were not available at the time of original construction.
“The city decided to retrofit the old library with solar panels and better windows.”
“Engineers were hired to retrofit the aging bridge with seismic dampers to ensure it could withstand a major earthquake.”
Usage
Often used in the context of environmental upgrades or safety improvements.
02computing/software
C1 · Advanced Computing Technical
v. to add a new feature to an older version of a computer program.
v. to retroactively supply a fix or feature to a previous version of a software product; synonymous with 'backport'.
“The developers had to retrofit the security patch into the older version of the app.”
“While the new interface is exclusive to the current release, the team managed to retrofit the core security updates for legacy users.”
Usage
Commonly used as a transitive verb where the feature is the object.
Synonyms
03an update or new part
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Technical
n. a new part or set of changes added to an old machine or building.
n. an instance of retrofitting or the specific components added during the process.
“The energy-saving retrofit cost the company thousands of dollars but saved money later.”
“The building's recent retrofit included a complete overhaul of the HVAC system to meet modern efficiency standards.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “retrofit” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The most disruptive part of the retrofit work was carried out first, and included the insulation of shared walls, flooring and the roof.” “From there, the team plans to model potential solutions, principally through updated building codes for new construction and retrofits for existing structures.” Etymology
The verb is derived from retro- (prefix meaning ‘back; backward’) + fit (“to equip, supply”). The noun, which is first attested later than the verb, is either derived: * from the verb (see above); or * from retro- + fit (“act of fitting; conformity of elements one to another”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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