increment

IPA/ˈɪŋkrəmənt/
KK[ˈɪnkrəmənt]IPA/ˈɪŋkrəmənt/

increment — noun

  • incrementsingular
  • incrementsplural

1. a single amount or step by which something becomes larger, added to a total as p

1.nounB2
Definition

a single amount or step by which something becomes larger, added to a total as part of a regular or planned series

Example

Jack added a small increment to his savings fund each week.

The scale on the kitchen scale is marked in increments of one gram.

common pattern: in increments of [amount]

Common collocations
  • in increments of
  • an increment of
  • small increment
  • annual increment
  • monthly increment
  • quarterly increment
Synonyms
  • increase

    much broader; does not imply a regular or planned series

  • addition

    focuses on what is added rather than the step within a series

  • step

    emphasises the discrete stage within a sequence

Antonyms
  • decrement

    technical opposite, used mainly in programming and mathematics

Grammar Patterns

increment of [amount]

in increments of [amount]

Usage Note

Commonly followed by 'of' to specify the size of each step (e.g. 'in increments of ten'). Frequently appears in measurement contexts (scale markings, graduated containers) and programming (loop counters, step values).

Common Mistakes

The temperature showed a small increment of 0.5 degrees from yesterday.
The temperature showed a small increase of 0.5 degrees from yesterday.
'Increment' suggests one step in a planned series, not a general change. Use 'increase' for simple comparisons.

2. the gradual way in which something grows or becomes more advanced over time

2.nounC1
Definition

the gradual way in which something grows or becomes more advanced over time

Example

The steady increment of global temperatures worries many climate scientists.

pattern: the increment of [abstract measurable thing]

Doctors tracked the slow increment of Nadia's white blood cell count after the treatment.

Common collocations
  • steady increment
  • gradual increment
  • slow increment
  • the increment of
Synonyms
  • growth

    more natural for organic or living systems

  • rise

    emphasises upward movement; less technical

  • expansion

    suggests becoming larger in scope or area

Antonyms
  • decrease

    the general opposite of any growth or increase

  • reduction

    focuses on making something smaller

Grammar Patterns

the increment of [something]

Usage Note

Typically describes a gradual or continuous process rather than a single step. Frequently modified by adjectives such as 'slow,' 'gradual,' or 'steady.' Distinguish from sense 1 (AMOUNT ADDED): sense 2 emphasises the ongoing process itself, not a discrete amount within a series.

Common Mistakes

We saw an increment in sales this month.
We saw an increase in sales this month.
'Increment' for a one-time monthly rise sounds unnatural. Use 'increase' unless you mean one step in a regular schedule of reported figures.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Increase is the broadest term and fits most contexts where something becomes larger — it has no implication of regularity or planning. Increment specifically refers to one of a planned series of additions; it implies a sequence and a fixed size. Addition focuses on the thing added rather than the position within a series. Step emphasises the discrete stage in a progression. Use increase for general situations ('a temperature increase'), increment for regular or programmed series ('sold in 5 ml increments'), addition when highlighting the extra element ('an addition to the team'), and step for a stage within a process ('the next step in the experiment').

increaseincrement ↗addition ↗step ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • in increments of
  • an increment of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'incrementum,' meaning growth or increase, which itself comes from 'increscere' (to grow into or upon) — a combination of 'in-' (into, upon) and 'crescere' (to grow). English borrowed it through French in the 1400s.