Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Advancement \Ad*vance"ment\ ([a^]d*v[.a]ns"ment), n. [OE.
   avancement, F. avancement. See {Advance}, v. t.]
   1. The act of advancing, or the state of being advanced;
      progression; improvement; furtherance; promotion to a
      higher place or dignity; as, the advancement of learning.

            In heaven . . . every one (so well they love each
            other) rejoiceth and hath his part in each other's
            advancement.                          --Sir T. More.

            True religion . . . proposes for its end the joint
            advancement of the virtue and happiness of the
            people.                               --Horsley.

   2. An advance of money or value; payment in advance. See
      {Advance}, 5.

   3. (Law) Property given, usually by a parent to a child, in
      advance of a future distribution.

   4. Settlement on a wife, or jointure. [Obs.] --Bacon.

Source : WordNet®

advancement
     n 1: encouragement of the progress or growth or acceptance of
          something [syn: {promotion}, {furtherance}]
     2: the act of moving forward toward a goal [syn: {progress}, {progression},
         {procession}, {advance}, {forward motion}, {onward motion}]
     3: gradual improvement or growth or development; "advancement
        of knowledge"; "great progress in the arts" [syn: {progress}]