Words / B1

im-PROOVM-uh-nt/ɪmˈpruːvmənt/

An improvement is a change that makes something better, or the process of becoming better: a clear improvement in her English; room for improvement; home improvements. Progress is wider movement forward; an increase may not be better (an increase in prices). Improve is the verb. Improvement in / on + noun. Make improvements to a house. Do not write “an improvement of her English” — use in for skills and results.

Meaning

A change that makes something better, or the process of becoming better.

Examples

• “There has been a clear improvement in her English.”
• “There is still room for improvement in his spelling.”
• “The new lights are an improvement on the old ones.”

Good to know

an improvement in / on. room for improvement. Verb: improve. Wider: progress. Not automatically: an increase.

Near in meaning

progress

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