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: enhancement, repair

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 Words From

• nonim·provement noun
• preim·provement 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

Since then, the company has implemented a number of safety improvements at Aliso Canyon as part of various legal settlements and agreements with government agencies.

From Los Angeles Times

If the most immediate area requiring improvement is readily apparent, the bigger picture remains Ireland's transition from a team for today into one built for tomorrow.

From BBC

"He did most of the improvements, from the curtains to the cushion covers. Losing the house broke his heart more than anyone else's," she says.

From BBC

Joanna Nicolas agrees there have been improvements, pointing to boarding schools, which she believes have generally created more open cultures to keep pupils safe.

From BBC

The majority of residents noted a subjective improvement in their communication and observational skills as well as an increase in their empathy skills.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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