improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce improvement (audio)
1
: the act or process of improving
2
a
: the state of being improved
especially : enhanced value or excellence
b
: an instance of such improvement : something that enhances value or excellence

Examples of improvement in a Sentence

Doctors were amazed by the sudden improvement in her medical condition. I've noticed a significant improvement in your work since the spring. The editor made some improvements to the article before it was printed. They spent the money on new kitchen cabinets and other home improvements.
Recent Examples on the Web Some cars can do both well, like Red Bull’s, while others, like Haas’s, need improvement everywhere. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2024 In late February, the F.A.A. gave the company 90 days to develop a plan for quality-control improvements. Mark Walker, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 The models embodied such an overwhelming faith in the potential for improvement that their lack of commercial success seemed almost irrelevant. Nicola Twilley, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2024 Continuous learning and improvement will contribute to your success in pursuing a passion that aligns with your career goals. Johnny C. Taylor Jr., USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024 Cheeks and Bucs coach Danny Perez credit walk-on assistant Tyler Arroyo for Cheeks’ big improvement. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 At-risk areas of Colorado include Morgan, Phillips and Sedgwick counties in the far northeast, Delta County on the Western Slope, and the southern San Luis Valley, including Costilla, Conejos, Alamosa and Saguache counties, which actually have seen an improvement from distressed. Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Mar. 2024 There are also strong themes of bravery, courage, loyalty and doing what’s right, and this take on the story is an improvement, representation-wise, from the 1980 version. Common Sense Media, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 As for other improvements, players will finally get Layered Armor. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'improvement.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvement was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near improvement

Cite this Entry

“Improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvement. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

improvement

noun
im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce improvement (audio)
1
: the act or process of improving
2
a
: increased value or excellence
b
: something that adds to the value or appearance (as of a house)

Legal Definition

improvement

noun
im·​prove·​ment
: a usually permanent addition to or modification of real property that enhances its capital value and is distinguished from an ordinary repair in being designed to make the property more useful or valuable

More from Merriam-Webster on improvement

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