increasingly costly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "increasingly costly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is becoming more expensive over time. Example: "The maintenance of the old building has become increasingly costly, prompting the city to consider renovations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But thumbing its nose looks increasingly costly.

The Economist

Today, however, tax receipts are shrinking, making borrowing increasingly costly.

The New York Times

That means I get an informed choice among several increasingly costly and inadequate for-profit plans.

The New York Times

TAKING sides on WikiLeaks' release of American secrets is increasingly costly.

The Economist

Government regulations — even in the United States — are also making oil increasingly costly.

The New Yorker

Critics consider it dull, increasingly costly and too heavily influenced by government.

The Economist

However, standards are increasingly costly in the modern news business, and not just in Britain.

The New York Times

The flight is just one part of this increasingly costly and unpleasant experience we call travel.

The New York Times

But another worry is that raising money will become increasingly costly for banks that need capital.

The New York Times

If we do not, the national security impacts will be increasingly costly and challenging".

The Guardian

In the future, however, North Korean brinksmanship will become increasingly costly for the Chinese.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify what is becoming "increasingly costly". For example, instead of saying "Healthcare is increasingly costly", specify "Specialized medical treatments are increasingly costly".

Common error

Avoid using "increasingly costly" as a vague statement without providing specific details or context. Instead of just saying "energy is increasingly costly", provide context: "The reliance on fossil fuels makes energy increasingly costly due to environmental regulations and diminishing resources."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "increasingly costly" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically describing nouns and indicating that the cost associated with them is rising over time. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying various nouns such as "fossil fuels", "drugs", "campaigns", etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "increasingly costly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase to highlight a rising expense over time. Ludwig confirms that it is correct and appropriate in diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and academic domains. While many sources use it, authoritative ones include The New York Times and The Guardian. To communicate clearly, avoid overgeneralization, instead always specify what is becoming "increasingly costly" with specific context. Alternatives like "progressively expensive" or "steadily rising in price" can add nuance, but the core message remains consistent: something is becoming more of a financial burden.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

progressively expensive

This alternative emphasizes the gradual increase in cost.

ever more expensive

Highlights the continuous and ongoing rise in price.

more and more expensive

A more emphatic way of saying something is getting costlier.

steadily rising in price

Focuses on the consistent upward trend of prices.

continually growing cost

Emphasizes the uninterrupted growth of the cost.

mounting expenses

Implies the accumulation of costs over time.

escalating price

Suggests a rapid and dramatic increase in cost.

spiraling costs

Implies costs are increasing rapidly and uncontrollably.

burgeoning expenses

Focuses on the rapid growth and expansion of costs.

appreciably dearer

This is a more formal and less common way of saying something is becoming more expensive.

FAQs

How can I use "increasingly costly" in a sentence?

You can use "increasingly costly" to describe something that is becoming more expensive over time. For example, "Maintaining the old equipment has become "increasingly costly", requiring a significant portion of the budget."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "increasingly costly"?

Alternatives include "progressively expensive", "more and more expensive", or "steadily rising in price" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "increasingly high cost"?

While "increasingly high cost" isn't grammatically incorrect, it can be considered slightly redundant. A more concise option is simply ""increasingly costly"", as it already implies a rising cost.

What's the difference between "increasingly costly" and "increasingly expensive"?

The terms ""increasingly costly"" and "increasingly expensive" are largely interchangeable. Both describe something that is becoming more expensive over time. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic context, even though the usage context is the same.