incrementalism

[ in-kruh-men-tl-iz-uhm, ing- ]

noun

1. a policy of making changes, especially social changes, by degrees; gradualism.

Other Words From

• incre·mental·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of incrementalism¹

First recorded in 1965–70; incremental ( def ) + -ism

Example Sentences

Intensely forward-thinking and impatient with incrementalism, many modern technologists—especially those at the helm of large for-profit enterprises—are the opposite.

From MIT Technology Review

There’s a lesson here for contemporary left-wing activism, which can be bogged down by smug indignation and righteous one-upmanship, and where incrementalism is mocked as selling out.

From Washington Blade

Just this year, we’ve seen pushes to pass expansive, universal voucher programs in some states, showing that privatizers will abandon elements of incrementalism when they think they have an opportunity.

From Washington Post

If possible, privatization advocates would completely dismantle public schools tomorrow, but they don’t have the political leverage to achieve that right now, so they have to engage in incrementalism.

From Washington Post

These groups do this because they believe the trap of incrementalism.

From Washington Blade

Will we be destined to witness endless partisan brinksmanship and “small-ball” incrementalism?

From The Daily Beast