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

So if the midterm elections are an improvement over the most recent one, you can return to America after the next two years.

From Salon

So that’s an improvement, at least.

From Salon

That was a vast improvement from the 23% who held that view a decade earlier.

From Los Angeles Times

It started cutting interest rates in September, noting the significant improvement since June 2022, when prices were surging at a rate of more than 9%.

From BBC

Parry says the Football Governance Bill is "an improvement" on a version introduced by the previous government, and which failed to become law before the General Election was called in May.

From BBC

Related Words

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