increasing

[in-kree-sing]

adjective

1. growing larger or greater; enlarging; augmenting.

2. Mathematics.,  (of a function) having the property that for any two points in the domain such that one is larger than the other, the image of the larger point is greater than or equal to the image of the smaller point; nondecreasing.

Other Word Forms

• increasingly adverb
• unincreasing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of increasing¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; increase, -ing ²

Example Sentences

As humans ignite fires with increasing frequency in Southern California — and continue to build deeper into fire-prone areas — wildfire policymakers and scientists are racing to better understand how to manage the crisis.

From Los Angeles Times

The judges also criticized the court for not addressing threats of violence against judges, which have been steadily increasing.

From Salon

Adoption agencies in south east England previously said increasing numbers of children were hoping to be adopted but there were falling numbers of prospective parents.

From BBC

If the winner picks the annuity option, they will one payment immediately and then 29 annual payments, increasing by 5% each year.

From Los Angeles Times

Born in a pre-war era of rigid traditions and styles, his creations followed - and helped make possible - increasing social fluidity in the latter half of the 20th Century.

From BBC

Related Words

• accelerating www.thesaurus.com
• deepening www.thesaurus.com
• escalating www.thesaurus.com
• growing 
• intensifying www.thesaurus.com

When To Use

What does increasing mean?

Increasing is an adjective that means growing or rising—becoming greater or more in number, amount, size, or in some other way.It comes from the continuous tense (-ing form) of the verb increase, which means to become greater or more in number, amount, size, or in some other way, as in Our profits will increase as demand increases.The word increased can also be used as an adjective to describe things that have risen or grown, as in an increased appetite.Example: The increasing value of the dollar.