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 top floors of the museum are dedicated to African American culture and the pivotal role Black Americans have played in everything from music and literature to technological advancements and the military. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025 But the parade, commemorating the end of World War II, was undoubtedly intended to telegraph the rapid advancement of the world’s largest military, and signal Xi’s growing ability to project hard power on the world stage. Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 His main goal behind joining Interesting Engineering is to learn more about how the recent technological advancements are helping human beings on both societal and individual levels in their daily lives. Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 2025 This new generation of EVs, dubbed the Neue Klasse after the line of cars that turned the brand’s fortunes around in the 1960s, will feature a bold new design language and exciting technological advancements. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 5 Sep. 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 10 Sep. 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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