accumulative

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "accumulative" is correct and is used in written English.
It is used to describe something that increases in size, number or amount over time, usually as a result of gradual individual additions. For example, "Since the start of the year, the company's profits have had an accumulative increase of 15%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But they are consistently engaging, and the accumulative effect is powerful.

The Economist

This, the first category, is the most objective and is sometimes called "accumulative" biography.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In dance, reliance on memory has resulted in an accumulative distortion of the originals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This helps keep the trust trading closer to the accumulative value of the underlying holdings.

Independent

However the new Spotify Artists website urged musicians to consider the accumulative earnings from a successful release, rather than focus on plays-per-song.

Independent

But Whyte, an 8-1 underdog who shortly after turning professional was banned for two years for testing positive for a banned stimulant, began to tire in the sixth as the accumulative toll of Joshua's punches took effect.

Independent

The Fantastic Four evidently falls short of the Magnificent Seven, but apprentice Oisin Murphy's feat in riding four winners from four mounts at Ayr on Saturday, at accumulative odds of 9,260-1 9,260-1rting with the smand matter of starting's premier Flat race of the year, the 26-runner Ayr Gold Cup, deserves to enter folklore somewithe alongside Detheri (L).

Independent

I prefer to let the loops do the work and wait for the accumulative effect of repetition to hit me.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dr Browne said that up to 78 per cent of "priority pollutants" – those deemed by the US Environmental Protection Agency as persistent, bio-accumulative or toxic, are typically found in close association with microplastics in the environment, which include the small particles formed by the breakdown of larger plastic waste.

Independent

The Safer Chemical Ingredients List contains chemicals that have been screened to exclude CMRs (carcinogens, reproductive/developmental toxicants and mutagens) and PBTs (persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic compounds) and other chemicals of concern.

The Guardian

This includes nearly 1.5m metric tons of chemicals that are persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic; more than 756,000 metric tons of known or suspected carcinogens; and nearly 667,000 metric tons of chemicals that are considered reproductive or developmental toxicants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual increase or build-up over time, "accumulative" can add precision. Use it to emphasize the process of amassing something, rather than just the final amount.

Common error

Avoid using "accumulative" when "cumulative" is more appropriate. "Cumulative" generally refers to the total effect of a series of increments, while "accumulative" emphasizes the process of gathering or increasing.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "accumulative" primarily functions to describe something characterized by accumulation or tending to accumulate. It modifies nouns to indicate a gradual increase or build-up over time. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid and correct use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "accumulative" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, as verified by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe something that grows or increases gradually over time. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral to professional tone. When writing, remember that "accumulative" emphasizes the process of building up, distinguishing it from "cumulative", which focuses on the final effect. Using "accumulative" correctly can bring greater precision to your writing when describing incremental growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cumulative

Indicates a growing total by successive addition, similar to "accumulative" but often implying a more structured or calculated process.

increasing

Suggests a steady growth in quantity or intensity, differing from "accumulative" by emphasizing the process of growth itself.

progressive

Highlights gradual advancement or development, differing from "accumulative" by suggesting a direction or improvement.

aggregating

Emphasizes the collection of items into a group or mass, distinct from "accumulative" which focuses on the result of that collection.

collective

Highlights the shared or combined nature of something, different from "accumulative" which is focused on a growing amount.

resultant

Focuses on the outcome or effect of accumulation, differing from "accumulative" by emphasizing the end product rather than the process.

net

Implies a final amount after deductions, unlike "accumulative" which does not necessarily suggest deductions.

total

Refers to the complete sum, different from "accumulative" which emphasizes the process of reaching that sum.

combined

Stresses the joining of elements, whereas "accumulative" emphasizes the growth of a single entity.

overall

Indicates a general or comprehensive view, not specifically related to the idea of gradual increase like "accumulative".

FAQs

How is "accumulative" used in a sentence?

The word "accumulative" describes something that increases in quantity, effect, or value over time through gradual additions. For instance, "The "accumulative effect" of small changes can lead to significant results."

What words are similar to "accumulative"?

Similar words include "cumulative", "increasing", and "aggregating". Each has slightly different nuances that may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

When is it correct to use "accumulative" instead of "cumulative"?

"Accumulative" emphasizes the process of gradual addition or collection, while "cumulative" typically refers to the total result or effect. Use "accumulative" when you want to highlight the action of building up over time.

What is the difference between "accumulative" and "aggregated"?

"Accumulative" implies a gradual increase or growth, whereas "aggregated" suggests bringing together separate items into a whole. The term "accumulative" focuses on the process of growing, while "aggregated" focuses on the end collection.