betterment

noun

bet·​ter·​ment ˈbe-tər-mənt How to pronounce betterment (audio)
1
: a making or becoming better
2
: an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility

Examples of betterment in a Sentence

working for the betterment of the lives of working people
Recent Examples on the Web Though Jackie is hiding a big secret (one that’s glaringly obvious to the audience) until the third act, she’s allotted some space to mend her ways for everyone’s betterment. Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023 Our health and lives depend on being included in the studies and research that will change the world for the betterment of all humans. Meg Marco, WIRED, 13 Nov. 2023 Instead, topics are meant for the betterment of music executives and professionals and will include stress management, leadership training, effective communication, goal-setting, personal identity, financial literacy, among others. Thania Garcia, Variety, 17 Oct. 2023 But companies that offer shallow, disingenuous commitments to societal betterment can expect to be pilloried by both the right and the left—along with their consumers, employees, and the public at large. Ruth Umoh, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2023 But these particular men and women of that movement, were willing to sacrifice themselves for the betterment of the whole. Okla Jones, Essence, 9 Oct. 2023 My friend was not the only one who believed in the notion of enlightenment through travel; many respected authors have lauded travel as a path to betterment. A. Trevor Sutton, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 Oct. 2023 Government, working on behalf of the people, that sought to deploy technology to empower laborers and streamline efficiencies — not for profit but for the betterment of society? Brian Merchant, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2023 Getting rid of a part of ourselves is often a goal—its more common names being transformation, betterment, self-improvement. Hazlitt, 20 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'betterment.' 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

better entry 2 + -ment

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betterment was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near betterment

Cite this Entry

“Betterment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betterment. Accessed 8 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

betterment

noun
bet·​ter·​ment ˈbet-ər-mənt How to pronounce betterment (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on betterment

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