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 See More
Recent Examples on the Web Quantum simulation offers the potential for considerable advancements in chemistry and materials science, aiding in areas such as the intricate modeling of molecular structures for drug discovery and enabling the discovery or creation of materials with novel properties. Daniel Lidar, Discover Magazine, 23 Nov. 2023 Iran had struck an effective bargain with the United States to limit the advancement of its nuclear program and had normalized ties with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Maria Fantappie and Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 20 Nov. 2023 This will not require any changes or advancements to battery pack design, as it can be integrated into battery packs that are already available. Daniel Golson, The Verge, 14 Nov. 2023 Hollywood’s transformation will only speed up SAG-AFTRA leaders told The Post that, as part of the new deal, the actors union will meet at least twice a year with big studios to talk about AI, which is expected to make rapid advancements that a three-year contract can’t predict. Herb Scribner, Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2023 The resulting fifth installment reflects the advancement of climate science and models over the past few years. Chelsea Harvey, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023 The late twenty-tens brought advancements in language models, which, when combined with generative models, meant that new media could now be created using colloquial commands. Anna Wiener, The New Yorker, 13 Nov. 2023 Cruz celebrates the tremendous advancements in cancer research since her friend's diagnosis over thirty years ago while emphasizing the ongoing potential for even greater accomplishments ahead. Maia Torres, Vogue, 10 Nov. 2023 Exactly why Italy has lagged in women’s advancement has been a field of study for historians, scholars and economists. Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'advancement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near advancement

Cite this Entry

“Advancement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/advancement. Accessed 7 Dec. 2023.

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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