betterment

noun

bet·​ter·​ment ˈbe-tər-mənt How to pronounce betterment (audio)
1
: a making or becoming better
2
: an improvement that adds to the value of a property or facility

Examples of betterment in a Sentence

working for the betterment of the lives of working people
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The former pontiff released declarations and documents throughout his papacy which pointed to advancements for the betterment of both everyday Catholics and non-Catholics. Gabriele Regalbuto, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Fear comes from hearing our president say that any school, state or organization that disagrees with him may be cut off from funding and watching our president and Musk promote Tesla in front of the White House instead of strategizing the betterment of our individual rights. Chicago Tribune, 19 Mar. 2025 Last fall, his work earned him a Kyoto Prize, an international award given to people whose work is devoted to the betterment of humanity. Gary Robbins, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2025 An individual movie can’t fix what’s wrong with the world, but filmmakers can and should continue to advocate for the betterment of art and, in turn, the world. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for betterment

Word History

Etymology

better entry 2 + -ment

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of betterment was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Betterment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betterment. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

betterment

noun
bet·​ter·​ment ˈbet-ər-mənt How to pronounce betterment (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on betterment

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