Enhancement — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /in-ˈhan(t)s/ (verb) /ˌself-in-ˈhan(t)-smənt/ (noun) en·hance

Meaning & Definition of Enhancement

Enhancement (verb)

  1. heighten, increase; especially, to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness
  2. raise

Enhancement (noun)

  1. the act or process of improving or enhancing oneself or one's self-esteem

Enhancement (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an instance of notable progress in the development of knowledge, technology, or skill

    "the phenomenal enhancements that have been made in home electronic equipment"

    similar: advance, advancement, breakthrough, improvement, refinement
    related: quantum leap, amelioration, boost, heightening, increase, melioration, strengthening, upgrade, uplift, upswing, uptrend, upturn, betterment, development, elaboration, evolution, expansion, gestation, growth, maturation, perfection, ripening, civilization, edification, education, enlightenment, renaissance, renascence, revival, discovery, find, windfall, innovation, invention
    opposite: setback
    near: breakdown, collapse, crash, hindrance, impediment, stumbling block, decadence, decay, declension, decline, decrease, degeneration, descent, deterioration, diminishment, downgrade, ebbing, failing, flagging, languishment, lapse, lessening, reduction, sinking, slowing, weakening, worsening, detriment, disablement, drawback, glitch, impairment, shortcoming

Related Entry: Enhance (verb)

Enhance is a different word from Enhancement. The synonyms below are for enhance, not for enhancement.

  1. to make better

    "some shrubbery would really enhance the curb appeal of that house"

    similar: ameliorate, amend, better, enrich, help, improve, meliorate, perfect, refine, upgrade
    related: correct, emend, rectify, reform, remediate, remedy, edit, fine-tune, redraft, refurbish, rehab, rehabilitate, revamp, revise, rework, beef (up), boost, fortify, intensify, reinforce, strengthen, fine, hone, polish, retouch, touch up
    opposite: worsen
    near: damage, endamage, harm, hurt, impair, injure, spoil, tarnish, vitiate, blemish, blight, deface, disfigure, flaw, mar, diminish, lessen, lower, reduce

  2. to make markedly greater in measure or degree

    "the right makeup would enhance the beauty of her eyes"

    similar: accentuate, amp (up), amplify, beef (up), boost, consolidate, deepen, heighten, intensify, magnify, redouble, step up, strengthen
    related: broaden, enlarge, expand, extend, lengthen, accelerate, hasten, quicken, emphasize, point (up), sharpen, stress, augment, enforce, reinforce, restrengthen, supplement, maximize, enliven, jazz (up), aggravate, exacerbate
    opposite: abate, moderate
    near: decrease, diminish, lessen, let up (on), reduce, subdue, tone (down), weaken, dwindle, recede, subside, taper (off), wane, alleviate, ease, lighten

  3. to make more desirable

    "leather seats and a state-of-the-art stereo system enhance the sedan"

    similar: candy, dress up, sweeten
    related: ameliorate, enrich, improve, meliorate, embellish, soup up, trick, cosmeticize, doll up, spruce

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Enhancement

The most common words with a similar meaning to Enhancement:

advance, advancement, breakthrough, improvement, refinement

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Enhancement

Words with the opposite meaning of Enhancement:

setback

Related Words for Enhancement

quantum leap, amelioration, boost, heightening, increase, melioration, strengthening, upgrade, uplift, upswing, uptrend, upturn, betterment, development, elaboration, evolution, expansion, gestation, growth, maturation, perfection, ripening, civilization, edification, education, enlightenment, renaissance, renascence, revival, discovery

Near Antonyms of Enhancement

breakdown, collapse, crash, hindrance, impediment, stumbling block, decadence, decay, declension, decline, decrease, degeneration, descent, deterioration, diminishment, downgrade, ebbing, failing, flagging, languishment, lapse, lessening, reduction, sinking, slowing, weakening, worsening, detriment, disablement, drawback

Word Forms of Enhancement

Inflections: enhanced, enhancing, self-enhancements

Derived words: enhancement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Enhancement

Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high old

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Enhancement

self-enhancement

Frequently Asked Questions about Enhancement

What does "Enhancement" mean?

"Enhancement" means heighten, increase; especially, to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: heighten, increase; especially, to increase or improve in value, quality, desirability, or attractiveness.

What is another word for "Enhancement"?

Other words for "Enhancement" include advance, advancement, breakthrough, improvement and refinement. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Enhancement" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Enhancement"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Enhancement". Common alternatives include advance, advancement, breakthrough, improvement and refinement.

What is the opposite of "Enhancement"?

Antonyms of "Enhancement" include setback. Near antonyms include breakdown, collapse, crash and hindrance.

How do you use "Enhancement" in a sentence?

Examples of "Enhancement" in a sentence: "the phenomenal enhancements that have been made in home electronic equipment".

Is "Enhancement" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Enhancement" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Enhancement"?

"Enhancement" is pronounced /in-ˈhan(t)s/ as a verb and /ˌself-in-ˈhan(t)-smənt/ as a noun and divided into syllables as en·hance.

What is the origin of the word "Enhancement"?

"Enhancement" comes from Middle English enhauncen, from Anglo-French enhaucer, enhauncer, from Vulgar Latin *inaltiare, from Latin in + altus high old. First known use: 14th century.