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.
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 But the affluent of many past periods also invested in the shared betterment of society, understanding that doing so helped justify the existence of wealth inequality. Brian Klaas, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025 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 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

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Cite this Entry

“Betterment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betterment. Accessed 14 May. 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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