Improve on Meaning in English
expression
ˌɪmˈpɹuv/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
im-PROOV-awn
ɪmpɹˈuːv/ /ˈɒn
im-PROOV-on
Definition
To make something better than a previous attempt, version, or standard.
Usage & Nuances
Usually followed by what you are comparing to ('improve on last year's score'). Common in business, sports, and personal progress. Slightly more formal than 'improve', and emphasizes exceeding a previous benchmark.
Spanish: mejorar - superarPortuguese (BR): melhorar - superarPortuguese (PT): melhorar - superarChinese (Simplified): 改进 - 超越Chinese (Traditional): 改進 - 超越Hindi: सुधारना - बेहतर करनाArabic: تحسين - التفوق علىBengali: উন্নতি করা (আগের চেয়ে) - উন্নত করা (আগের চেয়ে)Russian: превзойти - улучшить (по сравнению с)Japanese: 改良する（以前より） - 上回る（以前より）Vietnamese: cải thiện hơn - vượt trội hơnKorean: 더 나아지다 - 능가하다 (이전보다)Turkish: geliştirmek (önceki seviyeden daha iyi yapmak) - aşmakUrdu: بہتر کرنا (پہلے سے) - سبقت لے جاناIndonesian: meningkatkan dari - melebihi (pencapaian sebelumnya)
Example Sentences
We want to improve on our previous results.
basic
Can you improve on this design?
basic
They hope to improve on their performance next time.
basic
It's hard to improve on perfection, but let's try.
natural
She managed to improve on her old marathon time by five minutes.
natural
We're always looking for ways to improve on what we've already done.
natural