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

The productivity is real, the margin improvement is real and the speed gains are real, and every company should capture them. — Sumeet Salwan, Forbes.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Washington was 8-of-14 on third downs, which is not great, but a dramatic improvement compared to the Cowboys’ Week 1 performance. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

State parks officials said in a release that the improvement project includes installation of new gas, water, wastewater and communication lines, along with accessibility upgrades. — Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Tinder’s daily active users were down 4% year over year in the second quarter, which was a slight improvement compared to past quarters. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 20 Sep. 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