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

On the uphill, the 4-Quattro Pro also saw improvements over its predecessor, the 4-Quattro XT. —Outside Editors, Outside Online, 11 Nov. 2024

On Tuesday, a number of major players will release their results before the opening bell, including Home Depot (HD), the leading home improvement retailer, and AstraZeneca (AZN), the multinational pharmaceutical company. —Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 10 Nov. 2024

The nano-texture display is an improvement on traditionally glare-prone MacBook displays and a smart upgrade on Apple’s part. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

Joel Pitra Eames chairs surround a dining table that sits next to a Thermador wine fridge — another pandemic improvement project. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 7 Nov. 2024

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