advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt How to pronounce advancement (audio)
plural advancements
1
: the action of advancing : the state of being advanced:
a
: promotion or elevation to a higher rank or position
b
: progression to a higher stage of development
2
: an improved feature : improvement
3
medical : surgical detachment of a muscle or tendon from its insertion followed by reattachment at a more advanced point from its insertion
Best results are obtained by simple excision and meticulous repair or advancement of the triceps tendon to the olecranon.Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos et al.

Examples of advancement in a Sentence

A motor inside the camera is used for advancement of the film. She contributed greatly to the advancement of the new organization. working for the advancement of learning The program supports economic advancement in rural areas. This new method is a great advancement over past techniques. The job offers many opportunities for professional advancement. He is being considered for advancement. a series of rapid career advancements
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The settlement included over 4,000 Google employees in California and New York, with plaintiffs making the case that Google kept Black employees in lower-level jobs, paid them less, lowered their performance ratings and prevented Black employees from advancement. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 Among the brand’s recent advancements in activewear, the StudioSmooth collection launched in February with leggings, bras, tops, a skort, biker shorts, athletic dresss and full zips. David Moin, Footwear News, 23 May 2025 That reality wasn’t only created by individual choices but by the different histories and circumstances that allowed one set of families to thrive and another to struggle for economic advancement. Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 22 May 2025 The launch, at the northeastern port of Chongjin, was intended to tout the communist nation’s military advancement, but ended in embarrassment for Kim after the ship slid off a ramp and became stuck, state media reported. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for advancement

Word History

Etymology

alteration (after advance entry 1) of Middle English avauncement, borrowed from Anglo-French avancement, from avancer "to advance entry 1" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of advancement was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Advancement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advancement. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

advancement

noun
ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt How to pronounce advancement (audio)
1
: the action of advancing : the state of being advanced
2
a
: a raising or being raised to a higher rank or position
b
: progression to a higher stage of development
3
: an improved feature

Medical Definition

advancement

noun
ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt How to pronounce advancement (audio)
: detachment of a muscle or tendon from its insertion and reattachment (as in the surgical correction of strabismus) at a more advanced point from its insertion
flexor tendon advancement

Legal Definition

advancement

noun
ad·​vance·​ment
: something given in advance
specifically : money or property given as a gift by a living person (as by a parent to a child) with the intention that the amount the recipient inherits under the law from the person's estate will be reduced proportionately compare ademption

Note: The Uniform Probate Code requires written evidence that the gift was intended to be an advancement. A person who gives a gift that is not intended as an advancement cannot later change it to an advancement. A gift given as an advancement can, however, be changed into an outright gift.

More from Merriam-Webster on advancement

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