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

Related Words

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