innovation
ihn-uh-VAY-shuhn
Innovation (noun) means the act of creating or introducing something new. Example: “The department is entirely focused on innovation.”
noun
1
The act of creating or introducing something new.
"The department is entirely focused on innovation."
"Our school encourages innovation, so pupils are free to try new ways of learning."
"Without innovation, a business can quickly fall behind its competitors."
2
A new idea, method, or invention itself.
"Streaming was one of the biggest innovations in music distribution."
"The hospital adopted several innovations in patient care."
"The self-checkout till was a clever innovation that shortened the queues at the shop."
How to use innovation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA new idea or way of doing things, or the process of creating one.
Common pairings
technological innovation
drive innovation
a breakthrough innovation
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Word forms
- Plural
- innovations
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The department is entirely focused on _____.
Etymology
From Latin innovatio, from innovare, "to renew."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for innovation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for innovation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “innovation” mean?
The word “innovation” means the act of creating or introducing something new. In plain terms, a new idea or way of doing things, or the process of creating one.
How do you pronounce “innovation”?
“Innovation” is pronounced ihn-uh-VAY-shuhn (/ˌɪn.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “innovation” in a sentence?
Here is “innovation” used in a sentence: “The department is entirely focused on innovation.”
What is the opposite of “innovation”?
The opposite of “innovation” — its antonyms — is exnovation.
What part of speech is “innovation”?
“Innovation” is a noun.
Where does the word “innovation” come from?
The word “innovation” comes from Latin. From Latin innovatio, from innovare, "to renew.".
Is “innovation” a common word?
“Innovation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “innovation” have?
“Innovation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of creating or introducing something new.
What is the difference between "innovation" and "invention"?
An invention is a brand-new device, process, or idea created for the first time, while innovation is the act of introducing something new, which can include improving or applying an existing invention in a fresh way. In short, invention creates something, and innovation puts new ideas into practice.
What is the difference between "innovation" and "creativity"?
Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas, whereas innovation is the process of turning those ideas into something useful and real. You can be creative without innovating, but innovation depends on creativity as its starting point.
Is "innovation" countable or uncountable?
"Innovation" works both ways: it is uncountable when it means the general act of introducing new things ("a culture of innovation"), and countable when it means a specific new idea or method ("a major innovation in medicine"). The intended sense determines whether you say "an innovation" or "innovations."
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