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 In October, the train operator was given a new long term contract by the DfT after the government department hailed a strong improvement in Avanti’s services. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 25 Mar. 2024 Battery capacity, despite recent improvements, does not equal the energy density of jet fuel. Washington Post, 25 Mar. 2024 Sacramento usually relies instead on competitive grants to pay for such improvements. Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024 Read More — Dua Rashid Best True Wireless Earbuds for Apple Users — AirPods Pro 2 These buds are a long overdue follow-up to Apple’s original AirPods Pro that carries forward the same design but with improvements in sound quality and battery life. Dua Rashid / Gizmodo, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024 In addition, over $55 million for CBP construction and improvements. $650 million for FEMA to relieve overcrowding in short-term US Customs and Border Protection holding facilities. Jasmine Garsd, NPR, 22 Mar. 2024 But there was still a significant number of severe outcomes, and there are still key areas of improvement – especially around vaccination. Deidre McPhillips, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024 The thriving complex with multiple programs on the south side is nearing completion of a $6 million improvement project that includes adding a third floor to what was previously the two stories of the largest of its several buildings. Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024 That small change is already an improvement from their life back in Nicaragua. Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 21 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 28 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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