# kaizen

/ˈkaɪzɛn/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kaizen
Updated: 2026-09-28

## Definition

a Japanese business philosophy that focuses on making small, continuous improvements every day. Instead of trying to change everything at once, you look for tiny ways to make work better and more efficient.

For teachers: a Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement of working practices and personal efficiency. Often applied in manufacturing and corporate management to describe a culture where all employees actively suggest and implement incremental changes.

## Examples

- Our team uses kaizen to improve our workflow every week.
- By adopting kaizen, the factory managed to reduce waste by ten percent through hundreds of minor adjustments suggested by the assembly line workers.
- While radical innovation often captures headlines, the long-term success of the automotive giant is frequently attributed to kaizen, ensuring that every internal process undergoes constant, granular refinement.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'kaizen event' or 'kaizen methods'.

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