<p>Solid-solution strengthening is an effective way to optimize the mechanical properties of alloys. However, its mechanism in medium-/high-entropy alloys (M/HEAs) is more complicated than in conventional alloys due to the complex component composition. Herein, different amount of V was added to the recently developed Ti₅₈Al₁₃Nb₁₄Zr₁₅ medium-entropy alloy to explore the effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties. With the optimal addition of 2 at. % V, the alloy exhibits an excellent mechanical property combination, i.e., the ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and specific strength are up to 1340&#xa0;MPa, 12.4%, and 259.1 MPag⁻¹cm³, respectively. A proper V addition enhances the lattice distortion and chemical short-range ordering and correspondingly changes the dislocation motion from planar slip to cross-slip. This study sheds light on highly efficient alloy-designs in the future.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>