advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt 

plural advancements

1

: the action of advancing : the state of being advanced:

a

: promotion or elevation to a higher rank or position

b

: progression to a higher stage of development

2

: an improved feature : improvement

3

medical : surgical detachment of a muscle or tendon from its insertion followed by reattachment at a more advanced point from its insertion

Best results are obtained by simple excision and meticulous repair or advancement of the triceps tendon to the olecranon.

—Panayiotis J. Papagelopoulos et al.

Synonyms

• ascent
• creation
• elevation
• preference
• preferment
• promotion
• rise
• upgrade
• upgrading

Examples of advancement in a Sentence

A motor inside the camera is used for advancement of the film.

She contributed greatly to the advancement of the new organization.

working for the advancement of learning

The program supports economic advancement in rural areas.

This new method is a great advancement over past techniques.

The job offers many opportunities for professional advancement.

He is being considered for advancement.

a series of rapid career advancements

Recent Examples on the Web

As researchers push forward to explore and understand the cosmos, advancements in technology are sparking rapid developments in rocketry, astronomical observatories and a multitude of scientific instruments. —Jackie Wattles, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024

This willingness to embrace discomfort suggests that difficult goals aren't just about career advancement—they're about personal fulfillment and staying engaged in the long term. —Mark Murphy, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024

Over time, technological advancements have revolutionized the discovery and mapping of urban centers in landscapes that are largely inaccessible because of obstacles such as dense vegetation. —Hannah Peart, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024

That sparked debate about whether attempts to curb China’s technological advancements have been effective. —Afp, Fortune Asia, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

alteration (after advance entry 1) of Middle English avauncement, borrowed from Anglo-French avancement, from avancer "to advance entry 1" + -ment -ment

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing advancement

• self-advancement

Kids Definition

advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt 

1

: the action of advancing : the state of being advanced

2

a

: a raising or being raised to a higher rank or position

b

: progression to a higher stage of development

3

: an improved feature

Medical Definition

advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt 

: detachment of a muscle or tendon from its insertion and reattachment (as in the surgical correction of strabismus) at a more advanced point from its insertion

flexor tendon advancement

Legal Definition

advancement

noun

ad·​vance·​ment

: something given in advance

specifically : money or property given as a gift by a living person (as by a parent to a child) with the intention that the amount the recipient inherits under the law from the person's estate will be reduced proportionately compare ademption

Note: The Uniform Probate Code requires written evidence that the gift was intended to be an advancement. A person who gives a gift that is not intended as an advancement cannot later change it to an advancement. A gift given as an advancement can, however, be changed into an outright gift.