increasingly

Increasingly is an adverb meaning that something is continuing to grow in importance, frequency, degree, or amount. It describes a gradual but persistent intensification rather than a single abrupt change, and it is especially common before adjectives such as important, popular, difficult, and common. For example, an organization may be increasingly concerned about privacy, meaning that concern is becoming stronger over time. The word can also modify verbs or clauses: “It is increasingly difficult to find affordable housing” emphasizes a growing difficulty. While “more and more” is often more conversational, “increasingly” suits both formal writing and everyday speech, making it a useful and precise way to describe continuing change.

Used to indicate that a situation or quality is growing in degree, amount, or frequency over time.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does increasingly come from?

Increasingly derives from the verb increase, which comes from Latin crescere, meaning “to grow.” The adjective increasing developed in English in the 16th century, and the adverb increasingly followed later. Related forms include increment, which also comes from Latin and means an increase, and incremental, meaning involving gradual growth. The Latin root also connects increasingly to English cognate words such as crescent, meaning growing or increasing, and crescendo, meaning a gradual increase in volume or intensity.

How increasingly is actually used

Common in formal and informal English. It is often followed by a past participle such as important, popular, or difficult.

What's another word for increasingly?

Words and phrases paired with increasingly

What's the opposite of increasingly?