What does reform mean?
Reform describes the act of making something better by changing practices, institutions, laws, or behaviour. As a noun, it can refer to an individual change or to a wider programme of political, economic, or social improvement; phrases such as sweeping reforms and economic reform are especially common. As a verb, reform usually means to alter an existing system in order to correct weaknesses or improve its operation. It can also describe personal change, as when someone reforms their habits or character. The word often carries a connotation of deliberate, substantial improvement rather than a minor adjustment. In historical contexts, it may refer to major movements for institutional or religious change, particularly the Reformation. Reform is useful because it captures both the process of change and the intention behind it: alteration is presented as a means of achieving a better condition.
A change made to improve or correct a system, institution, law, practice, or form of life.
"The country introduced major reforms in health care and education."
The plural reforms is especially common for political, economic, and institutional changes.
To change something in order to improve it, or to correct someone's behaviour or character.
"The committee is working to reform outdated sentencing laws."
In personal contexts, reform often implies a deliberate and relatively thorough change in behaviour.
Use the plural for multiple changes or a programme of institutional, political, or social improvement.
"The proposed reforms would reduce the cost of public transport."
One word can describe both changing a society and changing oneself: a government can undertake reform, while a person can reform their habits.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reform come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French reformer, which was derived from Latin reformare. The Latin verb combined re-, meaning again, with formare, meaning to form or shape. Related English words include reformation, reformatory, and reformist, while words such as form and formation belong to the same broader Latin root.
Related word forms
How reform is actually used
The noun is common in political, economic, and institutional contexts, especially in combinations such as reform, reforms, and reformist. As a verb, it can sound formal or institutional when used of systems and laws, while the more idiomatic sense of improving personal behaviour is often informal.
Easily confused with reform
Reform usually refers to a process or policy of change, whereas a reformation often refers to a major historical transformation or movement.