incrementally

American  

[in-kruh-men-tl-ee, ing-] / ˌɪn krəˈmɛn tl i, ˌɪŋ- /

adverb

1. by a series of increases or additions.

   Salary for this position starts at $50,338, rising incrementally to $54,113 per annum.

   Instruments are incrementally added to the song to build up and fill out the chords.

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Etymology

Origin of incrementally

First recorded in 1825–35; incremental ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

A careful student of the game, she studies matchups and patrols the court with a composed efficiency that incrementally drains big hitters and outmaneuvers most rivals long before the final score confirms it.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

Progress often comes incrementally, but occasionally major steps forward occur.

From Science Daily • Feb. 20, 2026

“The vast majority of them will not cross that at all. They will end up with something that is just incrementally better. And if you’re incrementally better than alternatives, you don’t matter.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Markets tend to “climb a wall of worry,” as the adage goes, as worst-case scenarios don’t pan out and things get incrementally better.

From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026

Her voice had risen incrementally until it echoed off the high ceilings.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon