correction

IPA/kəˈrekʃn/
KK[kɚˈɛkʃən]IPA/kəˈrekʃn/

correction — noun

  • correctionsingular
  • correctionsplural

1. the process of fixing a mistake, or a particular change that makes a written tex

1.nounB1
Definition

the process of fixing a mistake, or a particular change that makes a written text, number, or statement more accurate

Example

Gita found three spelling mistakes in her essay and made corrections before turning it in.

make + correction(s) — common collocation for fixing errors

The editor returned the article to Madison with several factual corrections marked in red.

Common collocations
  • make a correction
  • minor / major correction
  • spelling / factual / grammatical correction
  • need correction
  • correction to
Synonyms
  • amendment

    more formal, often used for legal or official documents

  • revision

    suggests a broader reworking rather than a targeted fix

  • rectification

    very formal, emphasises making something right that was wrong

Antonyms
  • error

    the thing that a correction removes

  • mistake

    the thing being corrected

Grammar Patterns

make + correction(s)

correction(s) + to + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often paired with 'make': a student makes corrections to homework, an editor makes corrections to a manuscript. Can be either countable (a specific fix: 'three corrections') or uncountable (the general process: 'needs correction').

Common Mistakes

Please make the corrects.
Please make the corrections.
'correct' is an adjective or verb; the noun form for a fixed mistake is 'correction.'
I received a correction from my teacher for my grammar.
My teacher made corrections to my grammar.
'correction' is the change itself, not a communication from someone.

2. a drop in the price of a stock, currency, or other financial asset that follows

2.nounC1
Definition

a drop in the price of a stock, currency, or other financial asset that follows rapid growth, bringing valuations back in line with real economic conditions

Example

Tech shares experienced a sharp correction last month after months of steady gains.

sharp correction — common adjective-noun pairing in financial news

The fund manager warned investors that a market correction was likely after share prices doubled.

Common collocations
  • market correction
  • price correction
  • sharp correction
  • correction in
Synonyms
  • pullback

    less severe and more temporary than a correction

  • downturn

    broader term, can describe a longer period of decline

  • decline

    neutral term without the specific 10-20% financial meaning

Grammar Patterns

market / price + correction

correction + in + noun phrase

Usage Note

In finance, a 'correction' is commonly defined as a decline of 10–20% from a recent peak. A larger drop is called a 'bear market.' This sense is frequently modified by nouns and adjectives: 'price correction,' 'market correction,' 'sharp correction.'

Common Mistakes

I corrected my stock portfolio.' (meaning I sold during a drop)
The stock market experienced a correction.
only the market itself undergoes a correction; investors do not 'correct' individually.

3. a penalty or reprimand given to someone, especially a child or student, with the

3.nounB2
Definition

a penalty or reprimand given to someone, especially a child or student, with the aim of teaching them to behave better

Example

Vinícius sat at the front desk as a correction after the teacher caught him cheating.

as a correction for — fixed phrase in disciplinary contexts

Maeve's parents use calm conversation as a form of correction rather than shouting or hitting.

as a form of correction — fixed phrase

Common collocations
  • physical correction
  • as a correction
  • house of correction
Synonyms
  • punishment

    broader — does not necessarily imply reform

  • discipline

    can refer to training that builds self-control, not just penalty

  • reprimand

    specifically verbal rebuke, not physical penalty

Antonyms
  • reward

    positive reinforcement rather than penalty

Grammar Patterns

correction + for + noun phrase

as a correction

Usage Note

This sense is less common in modern everyday English for child discipline; 'discipline' and 'consequences' are more frequent. It survives in formal or historical contexts, and in phrases such as 'correctional facility' (see sense 4) or 'house of correction' (historical).

Common Mistakes

My mum gave me a correction for coming home late.
My mum grounded me for coming home late.
'correction' in this sense sounds very formal or old-fashioned; 'punishment' or 'consequence' is more natural in everyday speech.

4. the system of institutions, programs, and methods used by a society to punish pe

4.nounC1
Definition

the system of institutions, programs, and methods used by a society to punish people who break the law and to help them avoid reoffending

Example

The state is investing more in community-based correction programs instead of building new jails.

correction programs — noun modifier in justice context

Haruto found a job through the correction department's re-entry program after his release.

Common collocations
  • correction facility
  • correction officer
  • correction department
  • correction program
  • department of corrections
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

correction + noun (modifier)

department of + corrections

Usage Note

In American English, this sense almost always appears as a modifier ('correction facility,' 'correction officer') or in the plural 'corrections' ('Department of Corrections'). British English prefers 'penal system' or 'prison service.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words refer to changing something to improve it, but they differ in scope and formality. 'Correction' is the most general and everyday term: you correct a spelling mistake, a wrong calculation, or a factual error. 'Amendment' is more formal and typically applies to legal documents, laws, or contracts — a formal change to a constitution or agreement. 'Revision' implies a broader re-examination and reworking of the whole text or plan, not just a targeted fix. 'Rectification' is the most formal and emphatic, used when something needs to be made genuinely right after being wrong in a serious way. For example: a teacher makes corrections to a student's homework; a legislature passes an amendment to a bill; an author does a complete revision of a chapter; a company issues a public rectification of a misleading statement.

correction ↗amendment ↗revision ↗rectification

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • make a correction
  • need correction
  • require correction
  • correction fluid
  • correction tape

Prepositions

  • to (make a correction to sth)
  • in (a correction in prices)

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

From Latin 'correctio' (a making straight, amendment), derived from 'corrigere' — a combination of 'com-' (together, thoroughly) and 'regere' (to guide, direct, keep straight). The sense of 'bringing into line' was already present in Classical Latin. The word entered Middle English through Old French 'correction' in the 14th century, originally carrying the meanings of both 'setting right' and 'punishment for the sake of improvement.'