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 If no improvement is seen within 7 days, a physician should be consulted. Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2024 Many women see improvements in these areas after a few months. Rachel E. Gross, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2024 The deal leaves a lot of ground to cover in settling tax and spending policy, but marks a profound improvement in adversarial relations between Democratic lawmakers and the Republican governor that had the state lurching toward a possible government shutdown. Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2024 By learning to comfort their infants, understand their parenting influences from childhood, anticipate postpartum challenges, and practice mindfulness, moms not only saw improvements in their mental well-being but also witnessed their babies crying and fussing less. Maytal Eyal and Bridget Freihart, TIME, 17 Apr. 2024 In partnership with the Phoenix police and fire departments, the district participates in annual safety assessments that include feedback for improvement, district spokesperson Richard Franco said. Yana Kunichoff, The Arizona Republic, 16 Apr. 2024 That settlement agreement also requires the company to make safety improvements. Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024 Disney has proposed paying $40 million to the city for the roads — part of a $90-million investment for street improvements near the park, including a plan to widen Katella Avenue. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024 No industry in the world has experienced such rapid growth as technology, with new developments, technologies, and efficient improvements entering the space each day. Hilary Tetenabaum, USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 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 26 Apr. 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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