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

Russell, a former top-60-ranked pro, believes Fritz has plenty of great tennis left in him, with margins for improvement in various aspects of his game. —Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Two clocks associated with mortality risk showed statistically significant improvements. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 9 Mar. 2026

However, Albin said, Americans’ dietary habits generally have so much room for improvement that there are principles of culinary medicine that everyone can incorporate into their lives. —Emily Brindley, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026

Maryland’s traffic fatalities dropped from 582 in 2024 to 480 in 2025, a decline the state attributed to enforcement, impaired driving prevention and infrastructure improvements. —Brendan Hellweg, Baltimore Sun, 9 Mar. 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