(ˌ)imˌprävəˈzāshən, əm- also ˌimprəvə̇ˈz- sometimes (ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌprävəˈsā- or ˌimprəˌvīˈzā- or (ˌ) ̷ ̷ˌprōvəˈzā- or -ōvəˈsā- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from improviser + -ation
1. : the act of improvising or the quality or state of being improvised: as
a.
(1) : extemporaneous composition (as of music or poetry)
(2) : the extemporaneousness of such composition
b.
(1) : a course pursued in accordance with no previously devised plan, policy, or consideration
his conduct at the time was merely an improvisation
the policy of a democracy thus becomes an eternal improvisation — H.L.Mencken
the flight into the East was not an improvisation , a sudden, last-minute, desperate measure — A.R.Williams
(2) : the extemporaneous quality of such a course
the improvisation of the country's relation with foreign powers
2. : something improvised or designed to seem improvised : impromptu
• im·provi·sa·tion·al -āshən ə l, -āshnəl adjective