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

That came on the heels of a 19-win campaign in Lee’s first season, marking a 25-win improvement — the largest year-over-year leap in franchise history. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026

Qualcomm also promises a 77% improvement in GPU performance compared with the previous Snapdragon 4 generation. —Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026

The county must invest in vegetation management, defensible space enforcement, evacuation route improvements and fire protection infrastructure in unincorporated communities. —Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Federal funding for museums rarely covers construction or major capital improvements, leaving institutions to rely on private fundraising to tackle structural problems. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 7 May 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