Word
improvement
Phoneticsim·prove·ment, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɪmˈpɹuvmənt/
UK/ɪmpɹˈuːvmənt/
Definitions
01the act of making better
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of making something better than it was before.
n. the act or process of enhancing the quality, value, or condition of something.
“The coach noticed a big improvement in the team's passing during the second half.”
“Continuous improvement in manufacturing processes is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the global market.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in' to specify the area of change.
Pitfall
There is an improvement of my English.
There is an improvement in my English.
Use the preposition 'in' when describing the area or skill that has become better.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a better state or result
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a change that makes something better, or a version that is better than the old one.
n. the state of being improved or a specific instance of such a change.
“The new software is a huge improvement over the old version.”
“The latest quarterly figures represent a significant improvement on the previous year's performance, exceeding most analysts' expectations.”
Usage
Can be used as a countable noun when referring to a specific change.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03physical additions
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a physical change made to a place, like a building or a garden, to make it more valuable.
n. valuable additions or modifications made to a property, machine, or piece of land.
“They spent the summer making home improvements, like painting the walls and fixing the roof.”
“The tenant is entitled to compensation for any permanent improvements made to the premises with the landlord's prior written consent.”
Usage
Commonly used in the plural when referring to property or real estate.
Teaching tip
In a legal or real estate context, this specifically refers to permanent fixtures like fences or new rooms.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “improvement” in context.
Verb
01. promote improvement
“The new government policy is designed to promote improvement in public transport.”
verb + noun
02. report improvement
“Patients often report improvement in their symptoms after just one week.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. gradual improvement
“There has been a gradual improvement in his health since he started the new treatment.”
adj + noun
04. significant improvement
“The team showed a significant improvement in their performance during the second half.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. improvement in
“We have seen a huge improvement in your test scores this semester.”
noun + prep
06. improvement works
07. improvements since
08. analysis improvement
09. discussion improvement
10. improvement outweigh
11. improvement promote
12. interview improvement
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman emprouwement. By surface analysis, improve + -ment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/improvement