ENGLISH
REFERENCE

increasingly

adv. degree
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ɪnˈkɹisɪŋɡɫi// UK //ɪnkɹˈiːsɪŋli// in·creas·ing·ly General-service

adv. more and more as time goes on. You use it to describe a situation that is growing or changing steadily.

adv. to an escalating degree or in a manner that shows steady growth over time.


SIMPLE

The weather is becoming increasingly cold.

CONTEXTUAL

As the deadline approached, the team found it increasingly difficult to stay focused on the minor details.

COMPLEX

In an increasingly globalized economy, local businesses must find unique ways to differentiate their services from international competitors who benefit from massive economies of scale.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English encreessingli, equivalent to increasing + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the adjective or adverb it modifies, or before the main verb.

Pitfall

The problem is increasing difficultThe problem is increasingly difficultLearners often use the participle 'increasing' as an adverb; 'increasingly' is required to modify an adjective.

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