accrual

[ uh-kroo-uhl ]

noun

1. the act or process of accruing.
2. something accrued; accretion.

accrual

/ əˈkruːəl /

noun

1. the act of accruing
2. something that has accrued
3. accounting a charge incurred in one accounting period that has not been paid by the end of it

Other Words From

• nonac·crual adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of accrual¹

First recorded in 1875–80; accrue + -al ²

Example Sentences

As representatives of poorer, more vulnerable countries have made clear, historical emissions of richer countries have largely fueled their accrual of wealth, while putting other parts of the world at risk to the effects of those emissions.

From Time

While a payment plan is in effect, late-payment penalty accruals are cut in half.

From ProPublica

The loyalty program offers perks like a free birthday gift, points accrual for future discounts and early access to product launches among other features.

From Digiday

This may have been “a cautious approach…to preserve funds for an uncertain future or plain lack of awareness about the accrual of interest cost on availing loan moratorium facility,” the survey observed.

From Quartz

More About Accrual

What does accrual mean?

Accrual is the process or result of gaining more of a particular thing.

Accrual is the noun form of the verb accrue, which means to grow and accumulate naturally or to be added periodically. Accrual is especially used in the context of finance to refer to the growth of interest in an account.

Example: A retirement fund allows for the accrual of money over the course of your career so that you can support yourself once you stop working.

Where does accrual come from?

Accrual is first recorded in the 1700s but came into more common use toward the end of the 1800s. It is derived from the French word acreistre, meaning “to increase.”

Accrual almost always refers to a quantity that is steadily growing—more and more of the thing is acquired as time passes. It is most often used when discussing the accrual of interest in a savings account or other type of account or investment. But it can be used in many different scenarios. For some employees, the accrual of vacation days may be limited (meaning they stop acquiring them after a certain number is reached). Accrual can also be used more generally in reference to the accumulation of intangible things, such as the accrual of power or wisdom.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms of accrual?

• accrue (verb)
• nonaccrual (adjective)

What are some words that share a root or word element with accrual? 

• accruement
• accruable
• nonaccrued
• nonaccruing

What are some synonyms for accrual?

• accumulation
• buildup
• amassment 
• growth

What are some words that often get used in discussing accrual?

• interest
• wealth
• savings
• finance
• account

How is accrual used in real life?

Accrual is often used when discussing finances, but it can refer to the accumulation of many things—money, airplane miles, even ice during a winter storm.

Corporate greed has resulted in accrual of truly staggering levels of wealth, well beyond what the owners of the companies actually need.
The Citizens United court decision then permits them to protect against those who want to level the playing field. What a mess!

— Jim (@hansonji) December 24, 2019

You are able to see your mileage accrual for upcoming flights in the app or you can view how miles are earned here: https://t.co/6ximdhWL0D. ^RA

— United Airlines (@united) December 23, 2019

Just a random thought … Not to say that the icing tonight & tomorrow won't be significant in New England, but I am skeptical of widespread 0.50"+. Temperatures are going to be very marginal (29-31F) and ZR will be heavy, which is not conducive for ice accrual.

— Alex Klucher (@AlexKlucher) December 30, 2019

 

 

Try using accrual!

Which of the following things can be acquired through the process of accrual?

A. interest
B. vacation days
C. knowledge
D. all of the above