improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce improvement (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Electric Vehicle Improvements The improvement can be attributed to the maturation of electric and plug-in hybrid technology, according to Jake Fisher, head of Consumer Reports' automotive test center. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 But in the years before 1952, pea-soupers had become rarer in London, largely due to urban air quality improvements as factories moved out of the city in the wake of World War II. Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Dec. 2024 The money will go toward safety improvements on West Maple Street, North College Avenue, South School Street, North Gregg Avenue and East Joyce Boulevard plus $500,000 for education and awareness programs. Alex Golden, Axios, 4 Dec. 2024 Report Highlights The improvement was due to a small decrease (.4 percentage points) in the share of students dropping out of college, and it was mainly accounted for by more students completing college in the public 2-year sector (+1.2 percentage points). Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for improvement 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvement was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near improvement

Cite this Entry

“Improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvement. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

improvement

noun
im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce improvement (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on improvement

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