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

For the Pacers, the next step is bringing those improvements from the summer league floor to the NBA court. —Tony East, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Gale’s progressive social agenda gets wrapped in folksy, regionalist humor, as the Friendship Married Ladies Cemetery Improvement Sodality try to bring modern improvements to their village. —Deborah Williams july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

Both organizations emphasized improvements made to welfare systems and reporting procedures since 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine, and again in 2020 when Banijay acquired Endemol Shine. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 July 2025

The improvement in mood, the feeling of accomplishment and self-efficacy that comes with living a healthy lifestyle are not sold in a pharmacy. —arkansasonline.com, 13 July 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