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

Sabonis has shown signs of improvement guarding the pick-and-roll this season, but Ellis’ ball swarming has made his life easier. —Jared Weiss, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025

Together, predictive, generative and agentic AI created a responsive environment where actionable insights led to significant improvements. —Dr. Chiranjiv Roy, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The battery life is a huge improvement, lasting almost 10 hours in our tests. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025

Season 2 was a major improvement, which was then usurped by season 3, which brought in new uniforms, new sets, and Michael Piller to head up the writing team. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 16 Jan. 2025

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