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

Resistance to authority and calls for improvement were inevitable, whether the problem was officiating or travel and safety. — Jerry Brewer, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026

During an interview with CNBC's David Faber on Wednesday, Charter CEO Chris Winfrey said that while competition is affecting the cable broadband business in the short term, the executive is confident that long-term, there will be improvements. — Cj Haddad,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

The results since haven’t illustrated that improvement just yet. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026

There are improvements to photographic styles, offering texture and grain control. — Jay Peters, The Verge, 9 Sep. 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