advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt 

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.

Synonyms of advancement

• promotion

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

Today’s advancements, such as waste management and precision irrigation, are not merely choices, but necessary investments for long-term survival. —Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 Apr. 2026

The belief that certain bodies are somehow more expendable — more durable, more suitable for risk — has quietly sustained American biomedical advancement for decades, with consequences that continue to reverberate. —Uzma Rentia, STAT, 27 Apr. 2026

Effective immediately, Morgan Busbey, the current assistant head of school for advancement, would be stepping in to lead as interim head of school for the K-12 institution, the letter said. —Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026

But Gernsback's innovation of collecting previously-diffuse bits of literature ruminating on scientific discovery or technological advancement in one place proved to be an idea with staying power. —Chris Klimek, NPR, 25 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing advancement

• self-advancement

Rhymes for advancement

• enhancement

Kids Definition

advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt 

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 

: 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.