increasingly
gb/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli/ us/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli/
B1
English
~ 1500
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
relation
1
More and more over time
More and more as time goes on.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] increasingly [verb/adjective]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'increasingly' with 'increase' and use it as a verb. 'Increasingly' is an adverb and modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.
Synonyms
progressively (Often used in formal or technical contexts, but similar in meaning.)
|
more and more (Informal, conversational equivalent.)
Antonyms
decreasingly (Means less and less over time, the direct opposite.)
Collocations
increasingly common
|increasingly important
|increasingly difficult
|increasingly popular
|increasingly aware
Themes
daily life
|communication
|change
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The city has become increasingly crowded over the last decade.
- She is increasingly confident in her public speaking skills.
- Businesses are increasingly relying on digital marketing.
- It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find affordable housing.
- People are increasingly aware of climate change issues.
Learner examples
- It is increasingly cold in the evenings.
- He is increasingly busy at work.
- The shop is increasingly popular with tourists.
- She feels increasingly tired after long days.
- We are increasingly happy with the results.
Grammar
Dictionary form
increasingly
IPA
GB/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli/
US/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli/
Syllables & stress
in - creas - ingly (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (creas)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: increasingly
- Plural: increasinglies
Word family
Expressions
increasingly aware
1/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli əwˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
More conscious over time
Knowing or noticing something more and more over time.
Examples
- People are increasingly aware of the importance of mental health.
- She became increasingly aware that she was being watched.
increasingly difficult
1/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli dˈɪfɪkʌlt/
fixed phrase
Harder and harder over time
Something becomes harder to do as time passes.
Examples
- It’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with technology.
- Finding affordable rent in the city is increasingly difficult.
increasingly likely
1/ɪŋkɹˈisɪŋli lˈaɪkli/
fixed phrase
More probable as time passes
Something has a bigger and bigger chance of happening over time.
Examples
- It’s increasingly likely that the match will be canceled due to rain.
- Experts say it is increasingly likely we will see new regulations.