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

The company’s 2024 internal sleep pilots reported a 39% improvement in sleep-quality scores across four weeks, which Pulsetto attributes to calmer nights driven by vagus nerve stimulation. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

This drove up payments to charter schools by more than 3,000% from 1999 to 2014 and diverted funds away from district schools that still needed to maintain fixed costs, such as utilities, staffing and building improvements. —Julia McWilliams, The Conversation, 4 June 2026

In South Meridian, Simison nodded to improvements coming to state Highway 69, or Meridian Road. —Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 4 June 2026

The development around city hall is a tax increment reinvestment zone, which allows tax dollars generated in that area to remain in that area to pay for projects and improvements. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026

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