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; 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

The idea is that readers can connect in a casual, welcoming environment, all the while increasing visibility for independent bookstores.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

But with the increasing cost of living, Bartram felt proms were putting pressure on families and added she had seen taxi companies, hair salons and other industries ramp up prices around prom season.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

Instead of increasing together, the two properties moved in opposite directions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026

I’m considering pursuing a higher degree or advanced certification, and I was wondering what’s worth pursuing more given the rise of AI and increasing job insecurity due to automation: a CFA or an executive MBA?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

“The brutal fact is that we have been losing ground at an increasing rate,” McNamara warned in a memo soon after Rolling Thunder began.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• accelerating
• deepening
• escalating
• growing
• intensifying