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retrofit

RET-roh-fit /ˈretrəʊfɪt/

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professionaltechnicalenvironmental

To install new technologies, features, or equipment into an existing, older structure or system that was not originally designed with them.

Retrofitting is an engineering compromise. It is done when rebuilding from scratch is too expensive or impossible, though it is often less seamless than designing a system with those features from the start.

The story behind the word. The term originated in the aerospace industry in the 1940s. When aircraft designs were updated, engineers had to 'retrofit' existing planes with the newly developed parts rather than building entirely new fleets from scratch.

Word relationships

upgrade: Upgrade is a general term for improving any system, whereas retrofit specifically implies inserting new technology into an old physical frame.
modify: Modify means to change slightly, but lacks the specific connotation of adding modern technology to legacy systems.

demolish: Demolish means to tear down completely rather than adapting the existing structure.

Commonly confused with

renovate: Renovate means to make something look new or clean again; retrofit means to add new, modern technology or structural features that weren't there before.

Word family

retrofitted (verb (past)): Fitted with new parts or equipment after manufacture.
retrofitting (noun): The process of adding new components to an existing system.

Collocations

retrofit a building
seismic retrofit
retrofit with technology
cost of retrofitting

Example sentences

"The transit authority decided to retrofit the historic subway station with modern elevators and tactile platform edges." A city planning report on public accessibility.
"Engineers plan to retrofit the 1970s office tower with solar panels and smart climate control systems to meet modern energy compliance standards." An article on green building standards.

Memory hook

Think of 'retro-fit' as 'fitting the retro'. You take something 'retro' (old) and 'fit' it with new technology. New tech in an old frame.

When not to use

Do not use 'retrofit' when you are simply repairing or restoring something to its original state. That is 'restoration' or 'renovation'. Retrofit requires adding new capabilities or technologies.

Fun facts

San Francisco has strict laws requiring the 'seismic retrofit' of wood-frame buildings to prevent them from collapsing during major earthquakes.