improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

2

a

: the state of being improved

especially : enhanced value or excellence

b

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

Synonyms

• 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

Mikel Arteta’s side have converted 31 per cent of their open-play chances, an improvement on their rate at this stage last season (29 per cent from 17 big chances) and 2023-24 (18 per cent of 11). —Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025

Anna Jarecki, the owner of Nourish Skin and Sugar Studio, says making East Tosa a business improvement district would help businesses better market their products and services for customers and improve connections between business owners. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 23 Oct. 2025

Prestige beauty, which sits within the division, grew at mid-single digits as the overall market showed gradual improvement. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

City records show that no permits were ever filed for the improvements made to the property—neither under Garcia-Roves’s name nor her parents’. —Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, 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