What does growth mean?
Growth is the process of increasing, developing, or flourishing. It describes physical enlargement, such as the growth of a plant or the growth of bone, as well as numerical and economic increases, such as population growth or economic growth. In personal and professional contexts, it can refer to learning, confidence, experience, or improved performance, giving the word a positive connotation of progress and potential. The related verb is less common than the ordinary form grew, but it follows the same basic sense of increasing or developing. Growth can be useful when discussing change over time, especially when the change is gradual rather than sudden. Its meaning is broadly the same in British and American English, although formal writing usually favors grew for the verb. The plural growths is possible but uncommon, since growth is normally treated as an uncountable concept.
The process of developing or increasing in size, number, value, or extent; an instance or amount of such development.
"The archive recorded steady growth in public interest over the past decade."
Usually uncountable, especially in phrases such as economic growth, population growth, and personal growth.
To increase in size, number, value, or development; to develop or flourish.
"The organization has growth steadily under new leadership."
This verb form is less common than grew, particularly in formal written English.
The plural is uncommon and is used for separate instances or increases.
"The report documents two distinct growths in demand over the same period."
From the same ancient root as green, growth describes the universal movement from what is small or new to what is flourishing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does growth come from?
The word is closely related to the English verb grow, which was influenced by Old Norse gróa, meaning “to grow” or “to flourish.” Both forms trace to a Germanic root meaning “to grow,” the same broad root associated with English green. The noun developed from the older verb’s sense of increasing or developing, while the verb use retains that idea of change over time.
How growth is actually used
As a noun, growth is usually uncountable; the plural growths is uncommon and is reserved for separate instances or increases. As a verb, growth is less common than the conventional form grew and is often avoided in more formal prose.
Easily confused with growth
Growth means development or increase, whereas a groan is a deep sound of pain, discomfort, or dissatisfaction.
Growth means an increase or process of developing, while grout is the thin mortar or sealant used to fill gaps between tiles or bricks.