incrementalism

American  

[in-kruh-men-tl-iz-uhm, ing-] / ˌɪn krəˈmɛn tlˌɪz əm, ˌɪŋ- /

noun

1. a policy of making changes, especially social changes, by degrees; gradualism.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• incrementalist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of incrementalism

First recorded in 1965–70; incremental ( def. ) + -ism

Example Sentences

“The kind of incrementalism that Eric Murphy seems to be doing is something from a bygone era, where people were more pragmatic in the movement and not punished for it,” she said.

From Salon • Jun. 8, 2026

“He must resist the temptation of incrementalism that has plagued Apple of late,” said Dipanjan Chatterjee, vice president and principal analyst at Forrester.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

"We're arguing for radical incrementalism: achieving massive change through small, short-term steps. And we're offering a much-needed contrast to many other climate scenarios, which may be more aligned with the status quo, which isn't working."

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2024

"The incrementalism was perhaps a surprise to markets given the speculation of an actual tweak."

From Reuters • Oct. 31, 2023

Justice Alito was having none of that incrementalism.

From Washington Times • Jun. 26, 2022