improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

improvement in the patient's condition

2

a

: the state of being improved

especially : enhanced value or excellence

I've noticed improvement in your work.

b

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

The editor made some improvements to the article.

Synonyms of improvement

• 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

Explore making home improvements with the help of others. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026

Barona is pursuing the improvements to enhance water reliability, reduce dependence on groundwater and support the long-term sustainability of the Barona community. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2026

In an address on April 19, Rodríguez referred to the expectations of economic improvement since the transition of power on January 3. —Cnn Staff, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

Larsson, who was selected by the Heat with the 44th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft, displayed improvement across the board in his second NBA season. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, 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