Showing results for "increasing"

• present participle of increase.

increasing

American  

[in-kree-sing] / ɪnˈkri sɪŋ /

adjective

1. growing larger or greater; enlarging; augmenting.

2. Mathematics. (of a function) having the property that for any two points in the domain such that one is larger than the other, the image of the larger point is greater than or equal to the image of the smaller point; nondecreasing.

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Usage

What does increasing mean? Increasing is an adjective that means growing or rising—becoming greater or more in number, amount, size, or in some other way. It comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb increase, which means to become greater or more in number, amount, size, or in some other way, as in Our profits will increase as demand increases. The word increased can also be used as an adjective to describe things that have risen or grown, as in an increased appetite. Example: The increasing value of the dollar.

Other Word Forms

• unincreasing
  adjective
• increasingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of increasing

First recorded in 1590–1600; see origin at increase, -ing ²

Explanation

Increasing means getting bigger or expanding. You'll be glad to have an increasing income, but perhaps less glad to have an increasing pants size. The adjective increasing describes anything that grows or becomes greater. Increasing volume from your neighbor's radio will drive you crazy, since it's getting louder and louder. If your tiny school attracts increasing numbers of new students, it's likely that new teachers will need to be hired. Increasing comes from the verb increase, or grow, with its Latin root word, increscere, "to grow upon, grow over, swell, or grow into."

Example Sentences

“Geopolitical tensions, high costs including those caused by tariffs, increasing regulation and ever more intense global competition are increasing the pressure on the entire automotive industry. That is why we’re acting now,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026

Another recent study by UC Davis researchers indicates that wolves are increasing stress levels among the herds of cattle they prey on, which could have further economic consequences for ranchers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2026

"I think they'd be a great addition if well maintained, but more important is increasing the amount of playable field space overall."

From Barron's • Jul. 9, 2026

The National Association of Convenience Stores, of which 7-Eleven is a member, says that gross margins, typically about 38 cents per gallon, contract during periods of rapidly increasing wholesale costs.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 9, 2026

Seth stayed a couple of steps ahead of her, and the swift satyr was gradually increasing his lead.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull

Related Words

• accelerating
• deepening
• escalating
• growing
• intensifying