improvement

noun im·prove·ment \ im-ˈprüv-mənt \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Examples: improvement in a Sentence

Definition of improvement

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

See improvement defined for English-language learners

See improvement defined for kids

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 of improvement from the Web

The council will also hold hearings on its 2018-19 operating and capital improvement budgets.

— laura groch, sandiegouniontribune.com, "On the agenda, June 10," 10 June 2018
The district has been mandated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to make treatment plant improvements that will reduce the amount of phosphorus discharged into the Fox River.

— mike danahey, Elgin Courier-News, "23 percent water rate hike for Fox River residents kicks in July 1," 9 June 2018
District 203 has spread out field improvements over the years.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "Dad demands equal spending on baseball and softball at Naperville Central: 'Title IX was enacted in 1972'," 9 June 2018
Occasionally, treatment may require a visit to your primary-care physician if the rash spreads across large areas of the body, and shows signs of infection or no improvement within a two-week period despite the use of lotions.

— erik polan, Philly.com, "Q&A: How do I know if I have poison ivy?," 8 June 2018
Humphries, 24, was making steady improvement before his injuries last year.

— kent somers, azcentral, "Arizona Cardinals' revamped offensive line talking the talk," 8 June 2018
Motivated to more closely watch the department's roughly 1,600 officers, Roach said IMPD is taking steps toward improvement.

— holly v. hays, Indianapolis Star, "8 complaints, 2 lawsuits, 1 shooting: Why one officer didn’t draw more IMPD scrutiny," 8 June 2018
By focusing on continuous improvement and employee excellence, VEGA aims to promote from within.

— jessica levy, Cincinnati.com, "VEGA Americas promotes continuous improvement," 8 June 2018
And some may even anticipate improvement over time.

— alex clark, The Root, "Trump’s Pardon of Muhammad Ali Would Mean Nothing," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'improvement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of improvement

circa 1550

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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improvement Synonyms

IMPROVEMENT Defined for English Language Learners

improvement

noun

Definition of improvement for English Language Learners

: the act of improving something : the act or process of making something better
: the quality of being better than before
: an addition or change that makes something better or more valuable

IMPROVEMENT Defined for Kids

improvement

noun im·prove·ment \ im-ˈprüv-mənt \

Definition of improvement for Students

1 : the act or process of making something better His cooking needs improvement.

2 : increased value or excellence

I've noticed improvement in your work.

3 : an addition or change that makes something better or more valuable

We made improvements to our house.

Law Dictionary

improvement

noun im·prove·ment

legal Definition of improvement

: 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