increase
verb (used with object)
to make greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality; augment; add to.
had been increasing
-
past perfect progressiveof increase.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Its population had been increasing before the eruption, and that growth continued through the catastrophe and afterward, even though the surrounding ecosystems experienced extensive and lasting damage.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026
The group had been increasing their production quotas through most of last year, but paused those increases for the first quarter of 2026 due to concerns about a global supply surplus.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 2, 2026
He said that reports of these groups had been increasing in recent years, but clarified that they are not established criminal gangs recognized by the Department of Justice.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 2, 2025
For hospices, which provide both community and in-patient care, there had been increasing concern because of the prospect of higher employer national insurance contributions.
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2024
The number of bats had been increasing as they flew.
From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins
