improvement
Americannoun
-
a change or addition by which a thing is improved.
-
a person or thing that represents an advance on another in excellence or achievement.
The new landlord is a great improvement over his greedy predecessor.
- Synonyms:
- advancement, betterment, refinement
-
a bringing into a more valuable or desirable condition, as of land or real property; betterment.
- Synonyms:
- repair, enhancement
-
something done or added to real property that increases its value.
-
profitable use, as of a period of time.
noun
-
the act of improving or the state of being improved
-
something that improves, esp an addition or alteration
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alteration of the structure, fixtures, fittings, or decor of a building without changing its function Compare conversion
-
(usually plural) a building or other works on a piece of land, adding to its value
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of improvement
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English improuement, from Anglo-French emprouement “something profitable (especially exploitation of land)”; see improve, -ment
Explanation
When there's improvement, something is getting better. Going from a C to an A in math is an improvement. If you want to improve something, you've got to make improvements. Lots of people strive for personal improvement: maybe it's losing a few pounds for an improvement in their appearance, or reading more for an improvement in intelligence. Businesses look for improvement in customer service or profitability. Any change for the better or step in the right direction is an improvement.
Vocabulary lists containing improvement
"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 6
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"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 13
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-ment
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The improvement in LDL particle levels was consistent across participants.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 1, 2026
As with any highway improvement, meeting the needs of the moment just increases demands for the future.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
In November 2025, children's services in Manchester were rated as "outstanding" by inspectors after a decade-long process of improvement.
From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026
“We are encouraged by the improvement in cash generation, management’s comments on a stronger core portfolio in H2, and solid option uptake for the Valhalla.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
“Watch always,” he told them, “for signs of improvement, faster learning, quicker reaction in group A as compared to group B, and both as compared to the control group.”
From "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" by Robert C. O'Brien
Morocco witnessed several Gen Z anti-government protests last year, with young people demanding better opportunities and improvements to public services.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2026
District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes granted a renewed motion for a preliminary injunction in the lawsuit, ordering DHS and ICE to make improvements at the facility.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
The improvements followed what Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas described as an "optimistic day" Thursday with "the feeling that we are beginning to return to normal life".
From Barron's ● Jul. 31, 2026
Executives said the improvements, which Starbucks calls its Green Apron Service standards, are working, though investors are waiting to see how friendly baristas will translate into more profit for the chain.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
All recognized famous inventors had capable predecessors and successors and made their improvements at a time when society was capable of using their product.
From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
