: to furnish (something, such as a computer, airplane, or building) with new or modified parts or equipment not available or considered necessary at the time of manufacture
2
: to install (new or modified parts or equipment) in something previously manufactured or constructed
The concept of retrofitting became an urgent necessity during World War II, when weapons technology was advancing at an intense pace and planes and ships were becoming outdated even before their construction was complete, and the only solution was to retrofit the completed craft with the brand-new technology. Retrofitting was revived on a massive scale during the energy crisis of the 1970s, when new features were added to millions of old houses to make them more energy-efficient. Retrofitting is thus different from merely renovating, which may not involve any new technology at all.
Example Sentences
The factory has been retrofitted to meet the new safety regulations. We can retrofit your car with the new fuel system.
Recent Examples on the WebThe county has also adopted a tree preservation policy, and is working to retrofit county buildings with solar panels and create a broader heat resilience plan. Meris Lutz, ajc, 17 Aug. 2022 Companies then pay utilities to retrofit power poles, so eagles can’t be easily electrocuted. Matthew Brown, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2022 Companies then pay utilities to retrofit power poles, so eagles can’t be easily electrocuted. Matthew Brown, Anchorage Daily News, 17 Aug. 2022 Companies with permits can pay utilities to retrofit power poles, so lines are spaced far enough that eagles can't be easily electrocuted.Fox News, 17 Aug. 2022 The spending bill offers a 30 percent tax credit to any manufacturing facility that wants to retrofit its operations to be at least 2o percent less climate emitting. Evan Halper, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2022 Additional costs to retrofit an existing Parma Heights cruiser with 30,000 miles on it were in the $10,000 range, which came out of the police department’s budget. John Benson, cleveland, 8 Aug. 2022 While many other cities in California, including Encinitas, have passed resolutions to ban natural in new construction, San Diego’s call to retrofit existing structures goes significantly further. Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2022 The tranche of funds comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and will be allotted to transit agencies across the country to retrofit rail and subway stations for wheelchair use, officials said. Amanda Maile, ABC News, 26 July 2022 See More