advancement

/ədˈvɑːnsmənt/ (bre, ipa) · /ədˈvænsmənt/ (ame, ipa) · /əd-ˈvan(t)-smənt/ (ame, mw)

advancement — noun

1. a step forward in how good, modern, or developed a particular area of knowledge,

1.名詞C1
釋義

a step forward in how good, modern, or developed a particular area of knowledge, technology, or society has become — for example, a new treatment for cancer, or wider rights for women.

例句

Recent advancements in solar panel design have made the energy much cheaper for ordinary homes.

advancement(s) in + field of technology

Dr. Imani believes the new vaccine is a major advancement in the fight against malaria.

a major advancement in + cause

同義詞
  • progress

    more everyday and broader; 'advancement' is more formal and often field-specific

  • development

    neutral; can describe earlier stages, while 'advancement' implies clear forward movement

  • breakthrough

    a single dramatic step; 'advancement' can be smaller or gradual

反義詞
  • decline

    movement backwards in quality or development

  • stagnation

    no movement at all, neither forward nor back

文法句型

advancement in [field]

advancement of [thing]

用法筆記

Frequently followed by 'in' (a field) or 'of' (the thing being improved). Subjects discussed are usually broad areas — science, technology, human rights, education — rather than a single object or person. Distinguish from sense 2, which always concerns one person's career or rank.

常見錯誤

Advancement of my computer is fast.
My computer runs fast.
💡'advancement' describes progress in a whole field, not the speed of one device.
There were many advancement last year.
There were many advancements last year.
💡when counting separate developments, use the plural 'advancements'.

2. the process of climbing into a better job, into senior rank, or into a more resp

2.名詞C1
釋義

the process of climbing into a better job, into senior rank, or into a more respected place in society — for example, being promoted from nurse to senior nurse, or rising from working class to middle class.

例句

The bank offers strong opportunities for advancement to staff who finish their finance qualification.

opportunities for advancement to + group

Ilya turned down the transfer because he saw little chance of advancement at the new branch.

chance/possibility of advancement

同義詞
  • promotion

    the specific event of being raised one rank; 'advancement' is the broader career process

  • elevation

    very formal; often used for rank or social position

  • rise

    everyday; 'her rise to manager' feels less formal than 'her advancement'

反義詞
  • demotion

    being moved to a lower rank

  • setback

    an event that pushes a career backwards

文法句型

opportunities for advancement

advancement to [position]

用法筆記

Subject is almost always a person, and the context is a workplace, military rank, or social class. Often appears in fixed phrases like 'career advancement' and 'opportunities for advancement'. Distinguish from sense 1: that sense is about a whole field improving, while sense 2 is about one person climbing a ladder.

常見錯誤

I got an advancement last month.
I got a promotion last month.
💡for a single event of being promoted, use 'promotion'; 'advancement' refers to the broader process or possibility.
She wants advancement her career.
She wants to advance her career.' or 'She wants career advancement.
💡'advancement' is a noun and cannot take a direct object.