Word
cumulative
Cumulative means increasing by adding one part to another over time.
Meanings
Increasing or growing by adding to what already exists; building up over time.
Representing the total amount up to a certain point, including all earlier amounts.
Definition
Cumulative describes something that builds up gradually as more is added. Each new amount is combined with what came before, creating a total. It is often used for totals, effects, or results measured over a period of time.
Examples
- The cumulative effect of stress can harm your health.
- We tracked the cumulative sales for the entire year.
- After three hours, the cumulative delay reached forty minutes.
- The report shows the cumulative number of cases over time.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use cumulative for a single, one-time change instead of something that builds up over time.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.