improvement

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

• There is room for improvement.
• His health showed a steady improvement.
• The changes brought major improvements in safety.

How to use it: improvement in something (We noticed an improvement in her reading.)

Similar words: progress, advance, betterment

Opposites: decline, deterioration

Common phrases: improvement in something, room for improvement, significant improvement, improvement on something

An increase or forward movement in something, especially a result or amount.

• Sales showed a small improvement.
• We expect further improvement in profits next year.
• Her latest score represents an improvement of ten points.

How to use it: improvement in something (The company reported an improvement in sales.)

Similar words: increase, growth, advance

Opposites: decrease, decline

Common phrases: improvement in sales, profit improvement, score improvement