The invention relates to the technical field of lithium ion batteries, and discloses a modified nickel-cobalt lithium aluminate cathode material, a preparation method and application thereof. The positive electrode material has a composition shown in general formula I: Li 1+α Ni x co y Al z m d G e P f o 2 Formula I, wherein, 0≤α≤0.1, 0.80≤x≤0.99, 0.01≤y≤0.20, 0.01≤z≤0.06, 0≤d≤0.005, 0≤e≤0.004, 0≤f≤0.04, M is selected from At least one of Ca, Sr, Ba, Zr, Y, Ce, Mg, Ti and Mn; G is selected from at least one of Ca, Sr, Ba, Zr, Y, La, Ce, Mg, Ti, B and W One; P is at least one selected from Ni, Co, Al, Nb, W and Mn; wherein, d, e and f are not 0 at the same time. The positive electrode material has high cycle rate performance and low surface residual Li, and the battery made from it has good cycle stability, thermal stability and safety performance.