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

As if to prove Mamdani's point that the service needs improvement, the bus was 25 minutes late. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

The improvement on our constraints of more than 12 orders of magnitude, with one single observation, represents the most significant leap from a single measurement of all-time. —Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025

While the bulk of Caltrans funding goes toward car facilities, the agency does implement pedestrian and bike improvements in the course of much of its work. —Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025

In both cases, Brightline said the improvements benefited the broader community. —Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 13 Nov. 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