escalating
adj. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɛskəˌɫeɪtɪŋ// UK //ˈɛskɐlˌeɪtɪŋ// es·ca·lat·ing
adj. becoming more serious, intense, or expensive very quickly. You use this to describe a situation that is getting harder to control.
adj. increasing rapidly in intensity, magnitude, or scope. Often used to describe conflicts, costs, or tensions that are becoming progressively more severe.
The escalating cost of food is a major concern.
Diplomats are working hard to prevent the escalating border dispute from turning into a full-scale war.
The escalating demand for rare minerals has forced manufacturers to seek alternative materials to maintain their production schedules without significantly raising prices for the end consumer.
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'remain' or 'become'.