steepen

American  

[stee-puhn] / ˈsti pən /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become steeper.

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steepen British  

/ ˈstiːpən /

verb

1. to become or cause to become steep or steeper

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Etymology

Origin of steepen

First recorded in 1840–50; steep ¹ + -en ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

steepen

If short-term rates fall faster than long-term rates, the yield curve can steepen, widening the spread between banks’ interest income and funding costs.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 2, 2026

Such commitments could steepen the path to profitability for the new arrivals, in a market where financial success is still largely determined by raking in advertising sales.

From Barron's ● May 9, 2026

“If we’re right, all that’s going to do is exacerbate inflation further, cause further depreciation of the dollar and steepen the yield curve.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 4, 2026

In the fixed income segment, bond curves should steepen on increased fiscal spending, the global economist says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 6, 2026

When he had gone the better part of a mile into the country, and the road had begun to steepen perceptibly, the sound of a motor behind warned him to one side.

From The Turner Twins by Ralph Henry Barbour