Definition of "betterment" []

• An improvement over what has been the case: financial betterment. (noun)
• Law An improvement beyond normal upkeep and repair that adds to the value of real property. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Using that newfound focus against NBC or for their mutual betterment is a choice left to O'Brien, but he can use the fictional Conan as a guideline for what to do next — practice patience, proceed with caution, but always carry a massive weapon and do not hesitate to use it."
• "This business about racial betterment is pretty creepy but her clearly expressed sentiment — that women having accurate information about contraception will be the best judges of how many children they will have and at what time — is tough to argue with."
• "And it has certainly fed the national appetite for belief in betterment ..."