adj
Common
improving
ihm-PROO-vihng
Improving (adj) means Intended to make someone better, especially morally, mentally, or in health. Example: “His grandmother only allowed improving books, never comics, in the house.”
adj
1
Intended to make someone better, especially morally, mentally, or in health.
"His grandmother only allowed improving books, never comics, in the house."
"The doctor said his condition was improving steadily."
"Her father thought walking in the hills was an improving pastime for teenagers."
How to use improving
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting better, or (in an older, more formal sense) meant to make someone better morally or intellectually.
When to use it
The "meant to educate or morally better someone" sense is somewhat dated and often used with a slightly ironic tone today.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more improving
- Superlative
- most improving
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His grandmother only allowed _____ books, never comics, in the house.
Related words
Rhymes for improving
See all rhymes for improving →Frequently asked questions
What does “improving” mean?
The word “improving” means intended to make someone better, especially morally, mentally, or in health. In plain terms, getting better, or (in an older, more formal sense) meant to make someone better morally or intellectually.
How do you pronounce “improving”?
“Improving” is pronounced ihm-PROO-vihng (/ɪmˈpɹuːvɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “improving” in a sentence?
Here is “improving” used in a sentence: “His grandmother only allowed improving books, never comics, in the house.”
What part of speech is “improving”?
“Improving” is an adjective.
Is “improving” a common word?
“Improving” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between improving and improved?
Improving describes something in the process of getting better, or intended to make someone better — 'an improving economy', 'improving literature'. Improved means the change has already happened, as in 'an improved recipe'.
What is the difference between improving and edifying?
Both describe things intended to benefit someone morally or intellectually. Edifying is the more formal word and usually refers to instruction or insight, while improving is typically used of books, pastimes, and habits and can sound dated or gently ironic.
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