step-by-step increase
noun phraseUK /ˌstep baɪ ˈstep ˈɪŋkriːs/
US /ˌstep baɪ ˈstep ˈɪnkriːs/
A step-by-step increase means getting bigger little by little, one small step at a time.
The teacher saw a step-by-step increase in the student's reading speed each week.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A planned series of small raises made in order, one after another.
The company announced a step-by-step increase in wages over three years.
3. A rise that happens in clear stages rather than all at once.
The thermometer showed a step-by-step increase as the sun came up.
4. A way of making something larger by adding a little more each time.
The recipe calls for a step-by-step increase in the amount of flour.