Definition

To make a bad or unsatisfactory situation better; to improve or alleviate.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Verb

Synonyms

Improve, enhance, better, upgrade, uplift, mitigate, relieve, soothe, lighten.

Antonyms

Worsen, aggravate, exacerbate, deteriorate, damage, harm, hinder.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun amelioration, ameliorations
Verb ameliorating, ameliorated, ameliorate, ameliorates
Adjective amelioratory, ameliorative
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The new medication helped ameliorate the symptoms of the chronic illness, providing much-needed relief to the patient.

  • The government implemented policies to ameliorate poverty and inequality, aiming to improve the living conditions of the disadvantaged population.

  • The company conducted training programs to ameliorate employee skills and enhance their productivity in the workplace.

  • The organization launched a campaign to ameliorate the environmental impact of plastic waste, promoting recycling and sustainable practices.

Usage

“Ameliorate” is a verb that means to make a situation better or to improve something that is unsatisfactory. The word is derived from the Latin word “melior,” which means “better.” The prefix “a-” means “to” or “toward,” and when added to “melior,” it creates the word “ameliorate.”

The word “ameliorate” can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in discussions about social issues, workplace environments, personal relationships, or physical health. For example, one might use the word to discuss efforts to ameliorate the impact of climate change, or to describe actions taken to ameliorate the effects of poverty.

In business settings, “ameliorate” can be used to describe strategies for improving productivity or profitability. For example, a manager might propose changes to ameliorate a team’s workflow or to mitigate the effects of a decline in sales.

“Ameliorate” can also be used to describe personal growth and development. For instance, one might strive to ameliorate their communication skills or work on ameliorating their relationships with others.

Overall, “ameliorate” is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of settings to describe efforts to improve or alleviate unsatisfactory situations. Its synonyms and antonyms make it a useful word to add to your vocabulary, whether you’re a student, a writer, or simply looking to expand your language skills.