reform

5 definitions • 13 examples

to make an improvement, especially by changing a person's behaviour or the structure of something:

Who will reform our unfair electoral system?

For years I was an alcoholic, but I reformed when the doctors gave me six months to live.

an improvement, especially in a person's behaviour or in the structure of something:

Some reforms of/to the system will be necessary.

The education system was crying out for reform.

to become better, or to make something better by making corrections or removing any faults:

[ T ] As governor, he reformed election procedures.

[ I ] She insists that she has finally reformed.

an improvement or set of improvements made to a system, law, organization, etc. in order to make it more modern or effective:

reform of sth Essential reform of the banking sector is under way.

reforms in sth He has called for reforms in the retirement system for years.

banking/economic/tax reform Corporate tax reform has left companies uncertain about future tax bills.

Market reforms have opened the doors to greater competition.

fundamental/major/radical reforms

to make an improvement to a system, a law, an organization, etc., in order to make it more modern or effective:

reform the economy/the tax system, etc.

Corporation tax will be reformed to raise more revenue.