incrementalism

noun

in·cre·men·tal·ism ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tə-ˌli-zəm

: a policy or advocacy of a policy of political or social change by degrees : gradualism

incrementalist

ˌiŋ-krə-ˈmen-tə-list

noun

Examples of incrementalism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Such a siloed approach can lead to incrementalism, where small, isolated changes fail to capitalize on the broader potential of new technology or new ways of doing business. CSOs must spearhead a broader conversation about the ROI of sustainable practices. —

David Craig, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 But hard realities forced Petro’s hand, and incrementalism may in fact have a better chance of successfully curbing Colombia’s violence. —

Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 1 Oct. 2024 Leading The Charge The time for incrementalism is over. —

David Craig, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 Critics on the right lambaste liberalism for rejecting tradition, while detractors on the left lament its tepid incrementalism and the cruelty of its economic policies. —

Becca Rothfeld, Washington Post, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for incrementalism

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of incrementalism was in 1966

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Incrementalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incrementalism. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

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