improve

Universal Words verb to become better than before; to make sth/sb better than before: [V] His quality of life has improved dramatically since the operation. * The doctor says she should continue to improve (= after an illness). * I hope my French will improve when I go to France. * [VN] to improve efficiency / standards / conditions * The company needs to improve performance in all these areas. * I need to improve my French. PHRASALVERBS improve on / upon sth to achieve or produce sth that is of a better quality than sth else: We've certainly improved on last year's figures.