Development/dɪˈveləpmənt/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/2Beyond Growth Use 'development' to imply improvement or refinement over time, not just size increase. The development of her skills was noticeable. Pro Tip 2/2Long-term Process Refer to 'development' when talking about an ongoing process, not a one-time change. The development of renewable energy sources takes years.