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

Thirty years ago, in his classroom, political scientist Robert Lieberman described the American system as an intricate mechanism that, like clockwork, restrained extremism and nudged the nation toward moderation, consensus and incrementalism.

From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2022

Justice Alito was having none of that incrementalism.

From Washington Times • Jun. 26, 2022