incremental
Happening gradually in small steps
Examples
In a meeting
“We're taking an incremental approach to the redesign rather than changing everything at once.”
Over coffee
“I'm making incremental progress on my fitness goals—no huge changes, just steady improvement.”
Why this word
gradual
incremental means occurring in distinct small steps, while gradual means slow and continuous
slow
incremental specifies step-by-step progression, while slow only indicates pace
progressive
incremental emphasizes measurable small additions, while progressive suggests forward movement
Usage tip
Use when emphasizing gradual progress over dramatic changes
Etymology
Latin: incrementum (growth, increase) from in- (in) + crescere (grow) — 'a growing into'
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Related words
traction
The extent to which an idea or product gains acceptance
milestone
A significant point or achievement in a process
stagnant
Not moving, growing, or developing
accumulate
To gradually gather or build up over time
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.