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

Relevance
See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
The amendment sets the groundwork for Highfill to issue a new 2026 water and sewer revenue bond to fund upcoming improvements to its water utilities. — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 13 Oct. 2026 Continuous improvement can’t mean moving the goalposts on the people least able to keep chasing them. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 That includes an improvement for batters to 57% (29 of 51) from 49%. — ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026 These efficiency improvements will allow Microsoft to rely mainly on its in-house AI chips soon, instead of ones from Nvidia and AMD. — Tom Warren, The Verge, 12 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

See All Rhymes for improvement

Browse Nearby Words

improved wood
improvement
improvement factor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Improvement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/improvement. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of deportment

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All