improve on

Idioms  

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

---

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

All the candidates want to improve on California’s Safer from Wildfires program that offers modest discounts for homeowners who install closed eaves and take other measures to make their homes wildfire resistant.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The agency’s main criticism was that its trial lacked a control arm, though this would be unethical in late-stage patients who failed to improve on other therapies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

“Finish tonight, so that by next week, you’ll have a chance to improve on it before you have to hand it in,” Dad says.

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold