kaizen

American  

[kahy-zen] / kaɪˈzɛn /

noun

1. a business philosophy or system that is based on making positive changes on a regular basis, as to improve productivity.

2. an approach to one’s personal or social life that focuses on continuous improvement.

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kaizen British  

/ kaɪˈzɛn /

noun

1. a philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices that underlies total quality management and just-in-time business techniques

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Usage

What is kaizen? Kaizen is a business philosophy based on making small, positive changes over time, such as for improving productivity. A Japanese concept, kaizen refers to taking small steps toward a goal over a longer period of time instead of taking big steps that may be difficult. Kaizen is most often practiced in businesses and the workplace, where the concept is used to increase profits by consistently and slowly improving productivity, a product, or something similar. Kaizen is also an approach to improving your own life by making one small change a day or spending a small amount of time, such as one minute a day, toward improvement. You might hear of people using kaizen to learn something, improve in a sport or hobby, or create healthier food habits. Many people like kaizen because it’s much easier to commit a small amount of time each day to slowly achieve a goal than it is to commit to a big change all at once. Example: Ever since I discovered the concept of kaizen, my work productivity has risen tenfold.

Etymology

Origin of kaizen

From Japanese: literally, “continuous improvement”

Example Sentences

Maybe this story will inform a closeted Parkinson’s patient about programs like Kaizen Kinetics and empower them to pick up the phone and join.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2025

The screen should be positioned a little below eye level, and you shouldn’t have to crane your neck in any direction, says Marina Chen, a physical therapist at Kaizen Physical Therapy in Seattle.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2023

Vassilakis has become an important figure in underground dance music over the past five years, founding the influential Kaizen record label.

From The Guardian • Apr. 15, 2019

For others it’s meant gathering employees from the chief executive on down for what’s known as Kaizen events — based on the Japanese word for continuing improvement.

From New York Times • Oct. 11, 2018

Those investors lend money to companies such as Kaizen Furniture Makers, a 35-employee firm.

From Washington Post