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

According to his resume for the superintendent role, Villalobos oversaw improvement in the school district’s South Region during his tenure. — Austin Horn july 30, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

The final report noted fewer technical areas needing improvement compared to the previous evaluation conducted in 2022. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 July 2026

About Lowe’s windows Lowe’s, tracing its roots back to North Wilkesboro Hardware in 1929, went public in 1961 and has since grown into the second largest home improvement retailer in the world. — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Octapharma also will receive a $65 million state grant to help with site preparation, construction and road improvements. — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 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