ame·lio·ra·tion \ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷( ̷ ̷) ̷ ̷ˈrāshən\noun (-s) Etymology: French amélioration, from améliorer + -ation 1.: act of ameliorating or state of being ameliorated : improvement < the amelioration of human affairs — J.S.Mill > 2.Canadian law: betterment 1a