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

This wasn’t a marginal improvement. —François Candelon, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025

Both Louis Vuitton and Dior saw significant improvement with local customers in the period, the company added. —Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2025

China won’t fund projects promoting gender equity, affirmative action, training impartial judges, or improvements on regulatory performance in African nations as these are not things that its government values at home. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

Learn about efforts to make walking, biking, and driving safer in Mission, explore interactive displays, and share input on future improvements. —Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 30 Oct. 2025

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