improvement

[im-proov-muhnt]

noun

1. an act of improving or the state of being improved.

2. a change or addition by which a thing is improved.

3. 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

4. a bringing into a more valuable or desirable condition, as of land or real property; betterment.

   Synonyms: repair, enhancement

5. something done or added to real property that increases its value.

6. profitable use, as of a period of time.

improvement

/ ɪmˈpruːvmənt /

noun

1. the act of improving or the state of being improved

2. something that improves, esp an addition or alteration

3. alteration of the structure, fixtures, fittings, or decor of a building without changing its function Compare conversion

4. (usually plural) a building or other works on a piece of land, adding to its value

Other Word Forms

• nonimprovement noun
• preimprovement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of improvement¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English improuement, from Anglo-French emprouement “something profitable (especially exploitation of land)”; improve, -ment

Example Sentences

Lincoln taught us that in our aspirations for “enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union” we must cultivate gratitude for our blessings and the introspection needed for improvement.

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But they have very different views on what that improvement should look like.

Read more on BBC

Home furnishings and improvement retailers face headwinds including decreased demand postpandemic, inflation, and a stagnant housing market.

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Revenue generated from the new fees will support upgrades to visitor facilities, as well as park maintenance and service improvements, the Interior Department said.

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“While we are encouraged with the progressive improvement we’re making, we want to acknowledge that this performance is not representative of where we aspire to be,” Bender said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• advance 
• advancement 
• change 
• development 
• enhancement 
• gain 
• growth 
• increase 
• progress 
• recovery 
• renovation 
• revision 
• rise 
• upgrade