1. A change in something that makes it better, more accurate, or more effective.
2. An action which someone makes in his or her behavior or attitude by making or becoming suitable or adjusting to circumstances.
3. In sociology, a process of modifying, adapting, or altering individual or collective patterns of behavior is order to bring them into conformity with other such patterns; for example, as with those provided by a cultural environment.
4. Regarding insurance, the act of determining the amount of indemnity that the party insured is entitled to receive under the policy and of settling a claim.
5. A means of modifying something; especially, a physical mechanism that requires regulating or correcting.

A reduction in a government budget deficit, which can result from a reduction in government expenditures, an increase in tax revenues, or both at the same time.

The alteration of the engine idle speed of a vehicle or other motor-driven machine.