BusinessAugust 16, 2026

incrementalism

in-kruh-MEN-tuh-liz-um

Definition

A strategy or policy of making small, cautious improvements rather than large, sweeping changes or radical innovations.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'incrementum' (growth/increase) and the suffix '-ism,' the term became common in the 20th century to describe a political or administrative preference for gradual, piece-meal change.

In the news

The article uses the word to explain why businesses might choose safer, traditional business models over risky, innovative ones because small, gradual changes are often more predictable.

Incentives and innovation: The missing link

Read the full article ↗

MaltaToday

Related words

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.