growth
gb/ɡɹˈoʊθ/ us/ɡɹˈoʊθ/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
event
1
Increase in size or amount
When something becomes bigger or increases in amount.
Usage pattern:
[something]'s growth
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'growth' with 'grow', which is the verb form. 'Growth' is a noun.
Synonyms
increase (A general term for becoming greater in number, size, or degree; not limited to physical development.)
Antonyms
decline (Refers to a decrease or reduction in size, amount, or quality.)
Collocations
economic growth
|rapid growth
|steady growth
|population growth
|personal growth
Themes
business
|science
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The city has experienced rapid growth in the last decade.
- There has been steady growth in renewable energy use.
- The company reported strong sales growth this quarter.
- We are seeing significant growth in the number of tourists visiting the region.
Learner examples
- The tree's growth is very fast.
- Our town has seen a lot of growth.
- Her English shows great growth this year.
- The business had slow growth last month.
Noun
A2
event
2
Biological development of living things
When a person, animal, or plant gets bigger and develops.
Usage pattern:
the growth of [a plant/child/etc.]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'growth' with 'height' — height is only one measurement, while growth includes overall development.
Synonyms
development (In biological contexts, it refers not just to size but also to changes in form and ability.)
Antonyms
shrinkage (A reduction in size; the opposite of becoming larger in physical terms.)
Collocations
child's growth
|plant growth
|growth rate
|stunted growth
Themes
science
|daily life
|nature
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Proper nutrition is essential for a child's growth.
- Scientists are studying the effects of light on plant growth.
- The doctor is concerned about the baby's slow growth.
- The growth of the puppy was remarkable over the summer.
Learner examples
- The baby shows good growth.
- Water helps plant growth.
- The boy had fast growth last year.
- Sunlight is important for flower growth.
Noun
B1
event
3
Improvement in abilities or character
When someone becomes better at something or more mature.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'growth' here with physical size. This meaning is abstract and about self-improvement.
Synonyms
progress (Emphasizes advancement toward a goal; can be used for personal skills or achievements.)
Antonyms
regression (Returning to a less developed state in abilities or behavior.)
Collocations
personal growth
|professional growth
|emotional growth
Themes
education
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Travel can lead to significant personal growth.
- Her new role has encouraged her professional growth.
- He values emotional growth as much as career success.
Learner examples
- I want to have personal growth.
- School helps our learning and growth.
- He had much growth after the trip.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
4
Abnormal tissue mass on body
An unusual lump on the body made of extra cells.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with general increase in size; here it specifically refers to abnormal tissue in a medical context.
Synonyms
tumor (A medical term for an abnormal mass; can be benign or malignant.)
Antonyms
healthy tissue (Normal body tissue without abnormal cell accumulation.)
Collocations
cancerous growth
|benign growth
|remove a growth
Themes
medicine
|health
|body
Examples
- The doctor examined a small growth on his neck.
- A benign growth was removed from her arm.
- They found a suspicious growth during the scan.
Learner examples
- I have a small growth on my skin.
- The doctor took out the growth.
- He has a big growth on his leg.
Grammar
Dictionary form
growth
IPA
GB/ɡɹˈoʊθ/
US/ɡɹˈoʊθ/
Syllables & stress
growth (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (growth)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: growth
- Plural: growth, growths
Word family
Expressions
growth rate
1/ɡɹˈoʊθ ɹˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
Speed at which something increases
How fast something is growing over time.
Examples
- The population's growth rate has declined slightly.
- We need to measure the company's annual growth rate.
personal growth
1/pˈɚsənəl ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
Improvement of self over time
When a person learns new things and becomes better as a person.
Examples
- Travel can contribute greatly to personal growth.
- She values personal growth more than material success.
spur growth
1/spˈɚ ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
Cause faster development or increase
To make something grow faster or more.
Examples
- Lower taxes are expected to spur economic growth.
- New investments could spur job growth in the area.
stunted growth
1/stˈʌntɪd ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
Reduced development compared to normal
When something does not grow as much as it should.
Examples
- Poor nutrition can cause stunted growth in children.
- The drought led to stunted crop growth.
economic growth
1/ˌɛkənˈɑmɪk ɡɹˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
Increase in national production and wealth
When a country makes and sells more goods and services than before, usually making people richer.
Examples
- Economic growth slowed during the recession.
- Economic growth has slowed this year due to global uncertainty.
- The government introduced reforms to boost economic growth.
- The government introduced policies to encourage economic growth.