improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

improvement in the patient's condition

2

a

: the state of being improved

especially : enhanced value or excellence

I've noticed improvement in your work.

b

: an instance of such improvement : something that enhances value or excellence

The editor made some improvements to the article.

Synonyms of improvement

• advance
• advancement
• enhancement
• breakthrough
• development

Examples of improvement in a Sentence

Doctors were amazed by the sudden improvement in her medical condition.

I've noticed a significant improvement in your work since the spring.

The editor made some improvements to the article before it was printed.

They spent the money on new kitchen cabinets and other home improvements.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just over half of the improvement in operating margins was attributed to the sale of the Weitzman business. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025

Researchers will also determine if health improvements resulted in fewer doctor visits and, therefore, a cost savings to the health system. —Cari Shane, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025

The animals have room to climb and jump and perch on a few branches—a big improvement over the tiny wire boxes in which they would have been forced to live their entire lives in the past. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 6 Nov. 2025

The chain has undertaken a series of operational improvements such as more efficient ovens, sprucing up locations and trimming its menu offerings. —Rob Wile, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing improvement

• home-improvement
• self-improvement

Rhymes for improvement

• movement

Kids Definition

improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

2

a

: increased value or excellence

b

: something that adds to the value or appearance (as of a house)

Legal Definition

improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment

: a usually permanent addition to or modification of real property that enhances its capital value and is distinguished from an ordinary repair in being designed to make the property more useful or valuable