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

No industry in the world has experienced such rapid growth as technology, with new developments, technologies, and efficient improvements entering the space each day. —Hilary Tetenabaum, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024

Thanks to improvements in inventory tracking software, your local Target store can ship your order for a cooking pot and still have plenty for other shoppers coming into the store. —Shira Ovide, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024

Then the next two shots yielded less-dramatic improvements. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Apr. 2024

The wired gaming mouse is comfortable and received notable improvements over its predecessor, particularly in regards to its dual-mode scroll wheel. —Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 3 Apr. 2024

For the 2023 year-end quarter, Disney showed improvements in cost containment, while investors also appeared to rally around new strategic initiatives like the company’s investment in Epic Games and Iger’s announcement that the stand-alone streaming version of ESPN in set to launch in 2025. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 3 Apr. 2024

On Wednesday, local and federal officials formally announced almost $900 million in federal funding for transportation improvements, including a light rail project in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and extension of the Purple Line. —Rachel Uranga, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2024

In October, the train operator was given a new long term contract by the DfT after the government department hailed a strong improvement in Avanti’s services. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 25 Mar. 2024

Battery capacity, despite recent improvements, does not equal the energy density of jet fuel. —Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing improvement

• home-improvement
• self-improvement

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