improve on

Idioms  

1. Make beneficial additions or changes to, as in The company is trying to improve on the previous model. [Late 1600s]

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Example Sentences

And on this evidence, the American, who has topped the rankings for the previous 161 weeks will need to improve on a scrambling two-over 72 which featured four birdies, four bogeys and a double-bogey.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

It is time to face the fact that Gregg failed to put the death penalty on a sound footing and that nothing can improve on Gregg’s frailties.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

In Malaysia, revenue is forecast to grow 12.3%, supported by higher day care volumes, medical tourism and bed expansion, while margins are set to improve on cost discipline, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

McIlroy atoned for two bogeys with nine birdies, shooting a seven-under-par 65 to improve on his stellar 67 in the opening round.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

This was music to Flamsteed’s ears, since it confirmed that modern observing techniques could improve on existing stellar catalogues.

From "The Scientists" by John Gribbin