# accruing

/əˈkɹuɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐkɹˈuːɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/accruing
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

to slowly build up over time, like money, interest, or vacation days. You use this when small amounts add up to something bigger.

For teachers: to accumulate gradually over time, especially financial benefits, debts, or rights. Often used for interest, leave, or liabilities that increase incrementally.

## Examples

- Interest is accruing on my savings every month.
- She watches vacation days accruing each month before planning her summer trip.
- While debts kept accruing interest through the winter, the small business struggled to balance rising costs with falling sales.

## Synonyms

accumulate, Grow, Increase

## Antonyms

decrease, diminish

## Usage notes

- The verb can be intransitive (interest accrues) or transitive (to accrue interest).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.