WordGarden.ioincreasingly
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪnkrˈiːsɪŋli/
US
- /ɪnˈkrisɪŋɡli/
Meanings
Adverb
to a growing degree or extent
Beyond the definition
Imagine a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts small, but with each turn, it gathers more snow and gets bigger. That is what "increasingly" describes: something happening more and more over time. It is not a sudden jump; it is a gradual change. You might feel increasingly tired as the day goes on, or an artist might become increasingly well known with each new exhibition. It suggests a trend that keeps growing. Think of it like turning up the volume, little by little.
"Increasingly" is an adverb that means "to a greater degree" or "more and more." It describes change that grows over time rather than happening all at once. The idea behind the word is gradual growth or a stronger and stronger effect.
Unlike words like "suddenly" or "immediately," increasingly emphasizes the process of change over a period of time. For example: "The cost of living is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many families." This doesn't mean prices jumped overnight, but rather that they have been climbing steadily.
You will often see "increasingly" used to describe shifting trends, growing opinions, or intensifying feelings. "She was increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress," or, "Scientists are increasingly concerned about climate change." It can also be used to show a growing behavioral pattern: "As the years passed, he became increasingly withdrawn."
It is important to note that "increasingly" does not by itself mean something is good or bad. It simply describes the direction of change. A positive example might be: "The park is increasingly popular with visitors." A negative one could be: "The situation is increasingly dangerous."
Whenever you want to show that something is happening more often, more strongly, or more noticeably as time moves forward, this is a useful word to choose. It works well for describing gradual growth and rising trends.
Examples
- 1
City costs
The city is becoming increasingly expensive for young families.
- 2
Digital habits
Many people increasingly rely on their phones for banking and shopping.
- 3
Classroom technology
Teachers are increasingly using short videos in class.
- 4
Concentration
I found it increasingly difficult to focus as the meeting went on.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical concern
Doctors are increasingly concerned about the rise in antibiotic resistance.
- 6
Project risk
It's increasingly likely that the project will be delayed.
- 7
Consumer choices
Consumers are increasingly looking for products with less packaging.
- 8
Story development
As the story unfolds, his decisions seem increasingly reckless.
See also
Similar
- more and more
- progressively
- ever more
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- less and less
- decreasingly
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- increasingly important
- increasingly difficult
- increasingly popular
- become increasingly
Word family
Explore
- degree adverbs
- trend
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- increasinglyadverb