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

• increasingly
  adverb
• unincreasing
  adjective

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

For example, if artificial intelligence is so effective at increasing productivity that it leads to widespread AI-related layoffs, that could raise the unemployment rate, reduce consumer spending and spook investors.

From MarketWatch • May 31, 2026

Globalization, a rising knowledge economy and increasing automation have boosted the incomes of many Americans but left others behind.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

Beagan said this is a "really interesting, really exciting time" and they are hoping to see the population increasing going forward.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Erewhon accused the landlord, Midwood Investment and Development, of improperly increasing rent.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

Glancing over my shoulder to make sure they’re not following me, I break into a run, dart left down an alleyway and around the corner, increasing the distance between me and him.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

Related Words

• accelerating
• deepening
• escalating
• growing
• intensifying