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

The private survey appeared to diverge from the country's official PMI report, released on Monday, which showed that manufacturing activity contracted for a third consecutive month in June, despite a modest improvement from the previous two months. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 1 July 2025

Iterative improvements in reasoning and contextual awareness contributed to a model that has significantly improved reliability. —Matt Kimball, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Home Depot, the largest home improvement company on the Fortune 500, is leaning into a contractor customer base, announcing Monday its acquisition of specialty building products distributor GMS for about $4.3 billion. —Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025

When done properly, intermittent fasting can lead to improvements in blood sugar. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 1 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