betterment

American  

[bet-er-muhnt] / ˈbɛt ər mənt /

noun

1. the act or process of bettering; better; improvement.

2. an improvement of property other than by mere repairs.

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betterment British  

/ ˈbɛtəmənt /

noun

1. a change for the better; improvement

2. property law an improvement effected on real property that enhances the value of the property

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Other Word Forms

• self-betterment noun

Etymology

Origin of betterment

First recorded in 1590–1600; better ¹ + -ment

Example Sentences

“They fought for players’ rights and for the general betterment of the whole and it’s the job of the veteran players to pass that history on to the younger players.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Unconventional monetary tools were offered and adopted for the betterment of the global financial system.

From Barron's • Mar. 7, 2026

They’re the one making calls, and sacrificing themselves with the call sometimes for the betterment of the play.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

There was an overpowering quest for spiritual betterment, along with a demand for permission to pursue your passion and an insistence on unfettered expression.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 6, 2025

Most of the money could only be spent for the betterment of the city—specifically the Vista Heights neighborhood.

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson