encroaching

American  

[en-kroh-ching] / ɛnˈkroʊ tʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. advancing beyond proper, accepted, or usual limits; making gradual inroads into or onto something.

   We cleared out the encroaching weeds along the edge of the driveway and trimmed the plantain trees.

2. trespassing on the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or gradually.

   The hill forts in the British Isles were probably built by the native Britons to defend themselves against encroaching enemy tribes.

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Other Word Forms

• unencroaching adjective

Etymology

Origin of encroaching

encroach ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

As life goes on, Ms. Applegate tells of the encroaching menace of serious health problems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

Starring a stacked Guatemalan cast, including actor Tony Revolori, the project underlined the encroaching impacts of climate change that corrode once treasured memories, including those of Moreno, who grew up visiting the vacation destination.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

"As land is not limitless, you will end up encroaching on someone else's," said Cerruti.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

"They had to do this under this huge pressure of an encroaching red level storm that had the potential to completely derail the investigation and wash all of the evidence away."

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026

It warmed Meggie’s heart just to see it, but all too often it disappeared behind the tall, ugly buildings covering the narrow strip of land that lay between the water and the encroaching hills.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening