improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

improvement in the patient's condition

2

a

: the state of being improved

especially : enhanced value or excellence

I've noticed improvement in your work.

b

: an instance of such improvement : something that enhances value or excellence

The editor made some improvements to the article.

Synonyms of improvement

• advance
• advancement
• enhancement
• breakthrough
• development

Examples of improvement in a Sentence

Doctors were amazed by the sudden improvement in her medical condition.

I've noticed a significant improvement in your work since the spring.

The editor made some improvements to the article before it was printed.

They spent the money on new kitchen cabinets and other home improvements.

Recent Examples on the Web

This time around, that improvement in results never came. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025

Documents from the county indicate the work involves new sidewalks, bikeways, and pavement improvements. —Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

Loan applicants may be eligible for an additional increase of up to 20 percent of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, to pay for mitigation improvements like insulation and stormproofing. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025

For Brookside, that would mean financial support for work to help beautify the area with new landscaping, signage, art, lighting and other improvements while making paths safer for pedestrians. —Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing improvement

• home-improvement
• self-improvement

Rhymes for improvement

• movement

Kids Definition

improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

2

a

: increased value or excellence

b

: something that adds to the value or appearance (as of a house)

Legal Definition

improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment

: a usually permanent addition to or modification of real property that enhances its capital value and is distinguished from an ordinary repair in being designed to make the property more useful or valuable