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

Administrators say those outcomes are consistent across cohorts, with Brown noting that improvements often extend beyond individual students and into their families and communities. —Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026

Despite how impressive the technology is, researchers acknowledge that there is still plenty of room for improvement. —Omar Kardoudi april 13, New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026

That improvement in the overall market, as investors look through the weekend's unsuccessful peace talks, has certainly helped Goldman shares climb off the lows. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 13 Apr. 2026

There is also a new shower area at the bottom of the ramp, in addition to improvements to the preexisting shower area. —Luke Harold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 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