improvable

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   capable of being made better in quality, condition, or performance

   The draft is flawed but clearly improvable with careful revision.

2. 2
   adj

   capable of being developed or used more profitably, especially of land

   The survey classified the neglected fields as improvable agricultural land.

From improve + -able. Improve came through Anglo-Norman emprouwer, 'to turn to profit,' built from en-, 'in or into,' and prou, 'advantage or profit.' The modern sense broadened from profitable development to any change for the better.

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