betterment

[ bet-er-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act or process of bettering; better; improvement.
2. an improvement of property other than by mere repairs.

betterment

/ ˈbɛtəmənt /

noun

1. a change for the better; improvement
2. property law an improvement effected on real property that enhances the value of the property

Other Words From

• self-better·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of betterment¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; better ¹ + -ment

Example Sentences

Swift isn’t seeking betterment in these songs about emotional trauma and its aftermath; if anything, she’s taking a perverse satisfaction in her unwillingness to learn someone else’s lessons.

From Los Angeles Times

The report quotes an auditor who recounted what he’d learned in more than a decade in the role: “Nobody is working for the sake of betterment of workers … Everybody is here to make money.”

From Salon

“We need a government that will act for the betterment of the nation, not in the interest of political and personal considerations of a prime minister.”

From New York Times

Many, if not most, migrants arriving at the U.S. border plan to file for political asylum — though large numbers acknowledge they are seeking economic betterment, not fleeing persecution.

From Los Angeles Times

“As the duly elected and acting Sheriff of Rankin County, I will remain committed to the betterment of this county and this sheriff’s department moving forward,” he said.

From New York Times