threefold

American  

[three-fohld] / ˈθriˌfoʊld /

adjective

1. comprising three parts, members, or aspects; triple.

   a threefold program.

2. three times as great or as much; treble.

   a threefold return on an investment.

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adverb

1. in threefold manner or measure; trebly.

threefold British  

/ ˈθriːˌfəʊld /

adjective

1. equal to or having three times as many or as much; triple

   a threefold decrease

2. composed of three parts

   a threefold purpose

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adverb

1. by or up to three times as many or as much

Etymology

Origin of threefold

before 1000; Middle English threfold, Old English thrīfeald. See three, -fold

Example Sentences

It combined the retinoic acid structure with a methyl ester side chain and showed threefold higher neuronal differentiation activity than the control, along with significantly stronger activity than natural vitamin K compounds.

From Science Daily • May 27, 2026

His reasoning is threefold: Attractive growth in its upstream portfolio, operational momentum in its refining business, and its attractive capital allocation program.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

One study Shain co-authored found that tanning beds accelerate DNA mutations in parts of the body not typically exposed to the sun, leading to a nearly threefold increase in indoor tanners’ lifetime melanoma risk.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

The brokerage conservatively expects the Indonesian company’s 2026 net profit to grow threefold this year, based on locked-in charter rates in May through mid-June at levels above 2025 averages, and incremental vessel additions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

It is not uncommon for their egg production to be increased threefold — all through the beneficent effect of insecticides.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson