improvement

[im-proov-muh nt] /ɪmˈpruv mənt/
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.
4.
a bringing into a more valuable or desirable condition, as of land or real property; betterment.
5.
something done or added to real property that increases its value.
6.
profitable use, as of a period of time.
Origin
1400-50; late Middle English improuement < Anglo-French emprouement something profitable (especially exploitation of land). See improve, -ment
Related forms
nonimprovement, noun
preimprovement, noun
Synonyms
3. refinement, betterment, advancement. 4. enhancement, repair.
Examples from the web for improvement
  • The annual report card for scholarship athletes was the best yet this year-but there's plenty of room for improvement.
  • Organic gardening and agriculture focus on the improvement of soils to provide plants with nutrients.
  • The improvement in conditions was an unexpected turnaround.
  • When spray-on hair is an option, certainly there's room for improvement.
  • These days video games affect every part of life, from online dating to self improvement and even health and fitness.
  • The improvement in giving was slight, but leaders and fund raisers took heart that it didn't decline.
  • But the improvement seems to come only in the task that a game trains you for.
  • We remain committed to constant improvement and transparency in the service of sound, respectful science.
  • Create a headboard picture frame by using decorative molding from a home improvement store.
  • When it comes to air travel, it seems to me that there are a few things that could stand improvement.
British Dictionary definitions for improvement

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 (sense 9)
4.
(usually pl) (Austral & NZ) a building or other works on a piece of land, adding to its value
Word Origin and History for improvement
n.

mid-15c., enprowment "management of something for profit," from Anglo-French emprowement, from emprouwer "turn to profit" (see improve). Meaning "betterment; amelioration" is from 1640s. Meaning "buildings, etc. on a piece of property" is from 1773. Related: Improvements.