noun

improvisation

/ˌɪmprəvaɪˈzeɪʃən/ · say it: im·pruh·vuh·ZAY·shun

creating music spontaneously as one performs

In Arts & Culture

In more detail

1. (noun) the act of creating or performing something without planning or preparing beforehand

2. (noun) something that is created or made quickly using whatever materials are available

Examples

1. The jazz musicians gave an amazing improvisation on stage, making up the music as they played.
2. When the microphone broke, they used a rolled-up newspaper as an improvisation for a megaphone.

How to use improvisation

Improvisation refers to creating or performing something spontaneously without advance planning, common in music, theater, and comedy. It emphasizes spontaneity and making do with available resources, and often carries a positive connotation of creativity and quick thinking, though it can also imply a lack of polish. The term is widely used in artistic and educational contexts.

Common phrases

musical improvisation
jazz improvisation
improvisation skills
improvisation exercise
theatrical improvisation
improvise on the spot

Synonyms

extemporization · ad-lib · improvise · spontaneity · off-the-cuff creation

Opposites

preparation · planning · rehearsal

Word family

improvise (verb) · improvised (adjective) · improviser (noun) · improvisational (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'improvisation' as if it requires complete lack of skill, when in fact skilled improvisers draw on deep training and experience.

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