amelioration

noun

ame·​lio·​ra·​tion ə-ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce amelioration (audio)
-ˌmē-lē-ə-
plural ameliorations
Synonyms of ameliorationnext
1
: act of ameliorating or state of being ameliorated : improvement
the amelioration of human affairsJ. S. Mill
2
Canadian law : betterment sense 1a

Word History

Etymology

French amélioration, from améliorer + -ation

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amelioration was in 1659

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Cite this Entry

“Amelioration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amelioration. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

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