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

In Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the players involved in those moves, Liverpool recruited the best in class, and yet both are still young enough to have room for improvement. —Simon Hughes, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025

However, the light at the end of the tunnel came when Miller watched her daughter's immediate improvement through medication. —Nia Bowers, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

The intersection improvement project will install a roundabout and a sidewalk. —Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 4 Sep. 2025

In a 12-week study of people with mild to moderate Crohn's disease, those who took curcumin supplements (360 milligrams a day) saw improvements in their symptoms. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 4 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