amelioration

[ uh-meel-yuh-rey-shuhn, uh-mee-lee-uh- ]

noun

1. an act or instance of ameliorating or making better; the state of being ameliorated or made better:

   the amelioration of working conditions.

2. something that ameliorates; an improvement.
3. melioration ( def 1 ).

amelioration

/ əˌmiːljəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of ameliorating or the state of being ameliorated
2. something that ameliorates; an improvement
3. Also calledelevation linguistics (of the meaning of a word) a change from pejorative to neutral or positively pleasant. The word nice has achieved its modern meaning by amelioration from the earlier sense foolish, silly

Word History and Origins

Origin of amelioration¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; ameliorate + -ion

Example Sentences

The second year of our captivity passed—the same unvarying rotation of misery—no change, no amelioration of our condition.

From Project Gutenberg

We need a coordination of all the forces that make for social amelioration in modern life to correct present false impressions.

From Project Gutenberg

For every considerable amelioration the colony has been indebted to the whigs.

From Project Gutenberg

The most desirable amelioration of her lot will be secured by the admission of her free personality.

From Project Gutenberg

There appears no possibility of any real amelioration of their condition until they possess settled places of abode.

From Project Gutenberg