improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt 

1

: the act or process of improving

2

a

: the state of being improved

especially : enhanced value or excellence

b

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

Synonyms

• advance
• advancement
• breakthrough
• enhancement
• refinement

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

In years past, life expectancy for people who lived to age 18 showed little improvement. —Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

While his selfless running is valuable, a return of five Premier League goals and six assists from 34 league appearances so far suggests there is room for improvement in Szoboszlai’s attacking output — something Slot called out early on. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Left unsaid is how to ensure those improvements are made safely. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 15 May 2025

The city could also possibly fund improvements to Century’s docking facilities. —Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, 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