incremental
/,inkri'mentəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale: Describes something that happens in a series of small, regular, or consecutive steps or amounts.
- Increasing gradually by regular degrees or additions: Characterizing growth or change that occurs in small, measurable increments rather than in large jumps.
Usage and Examples
General Usage:
- The software receives incremental updates every month. (The software gets small, regular updates each month.)
- We observed an incremental improvement in the patient's condition. (We saw a gradual, step-by-step improvement.)
- The project's funding was approved on an incremental basis. (The funding was granted in small, periodic amounts.)
In Business/Finance:
- The company reported incremental revenue growth this quarter. (The company reported small, additional gains in revenue.)
- The budget allows for incremental increases in departmental spending. (The budget permits small, step-by-step rises in spending.)
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Incremental Cost/Benefit: Refers to the additional cost or benefit associated with a specific decision or a small change.
- The incremental cost of adding this feature is very low. (The extra cost for this specific addition is minimal.)
- Incremental Innovation: Describes small, iterative improvements to an existing product or process, as opposed to radical, disruptive change.
- The new model is an example of incremental innovation over last year's version. (The new model features a series of small improvements.)
Variants and Related Words
- Increment (noun): An increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale.
- Salary is paid with an annual increment.
- Incrementally (adverb): In a way that involves small, gradual changes or additions.
- The system was improved incrementally over several years.
Synonyms
- Gradual: Happening or changing slowly over a period of time.
- Cumulative: Increasing or increased in quantity, degree, or force by successive additions.
- Step-by-step: Denoting a method or process that proceeds by discrete, manageable stages.
Antonyms
- Sudden: Occurring or done quickly and unexpectedly.
- Abrupt: Sudden and unexpected.
- Dramatic: Sudden and striking.
- Exponential: (Of an increase) becoming more and more rapid.
Adjective
- increasing gradually by regular degrees or additions
- lecturers enjoy...steady incremental growth in salary