improvement

noun

im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce improvement (audio)
Synonyms of improvement
1
: the act or process of improving
improvement in the patient's condition
2
a
: the state of being improved
especially : enhanced value or excellence
I've noticed improvement in your work.
b
: an instance of such improvement : something that enhances value or excellence
The editor made some improvements to the article.

Synonyms of improvement

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Examples of improvement in a Sentence

Doctors were amazed by the sudden improvement in her medical condition. I've noticed a significant improvement in your work since the spring. The editor made some improvements to the article before it was printed. They spent the money on new kitchen cabinets and other home improvements.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Counties where richer arrivals or the departure of lower earners drove the improvement were set aside. — Amy L. Wong, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026 McKee did find rookie Makai Lemon throughout the night and picked apart the secondary at times, but there is gradual improvement showing out of the unit. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026 There had been a temporary improvement but the onset of the Iran war has plunged the country back into crisis. — Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 26 Oct. 2026 That will be a bit of a bummer if true, because the iMac could use some improvement in screen adjustability. — Joe Osborne, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for improvement

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of improvement was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing improvement

Rhymes for improvement

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Browse Nearby Words

improved wood
improvement
improvement factor
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Cite this Entry

“Improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvement. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

improvement

noun
im·​prove·​ment im-ˈprüv-mənt How to pronounce improvement (audio)
1
: the act or process of improving
2
a
: increased value or excellence
b
: something that adds to the value or appearance (as of a house)

Legal Definition

improvement

noun
im·​prove·​ment
: a usually permanent addition to or modification of real property that enhances its capital value and is distinguished from an ordinary repair in being designed to make the property more useful or valuable
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