improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

2

a

: the state of being improved

especially : enhanced value or excellence

b

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

Synonyms

• 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

Healthcare organizations that implemented a lakehouse reported 42 percent faster data retrieval, a 35 percent improvement in patient outcomes, and a 28 percent reduction in diagnosis times. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

The slide below summarizes their claims for ROI improvements using Kove. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

That translates to up to a 50% improvement in production speed compared to current cycle times, turning additive manufacturing into a serious advantage for satellite constellations. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

Heart rate monitoring, even better ANC, and waterproofing are all substantial improvements. —PC Magazine, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, 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