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

• incrementalist noun

Etymology

Origin of incrementalism

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

Example Sentences

"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

“The secret to reforming,” he once told me, “is understanding incrementalism and not trying to be so big and so bold. You’ve got to align interests.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 15, 2022

We need thoughtful institutional experimentation, undertaken in a spirit of humility, incrementalism and exploration.

From Washington Post • Sep. 16, 2022

On Twitter Friday, Ms. Brown characterized the task force proposals as “toothless suggestions, a retraumatizing database process, incrementalism as complicity.”

From Washington Times • Jun. 5, 2022