increase noun

ADJ. big, considerable, dramatic, enormous, exponential, huge, large, major, marked, massive, significant, substantial, vast | moderate, modest, small | apparent | rapid, sharp | gradual, steady | fivefold, tenfold, etc. | 10%, etc. | net, overall | across-the-board The pay rise represented an across-the-board increase of between 9% for the highest paid and 32% for the lowest paid worker. | annual, monthly, etc. | dividend, fare, pay, price, rent, salary, tax, temperature, wage

VERB + INCREASE experience, see, show Many parts of the country have experienced an increase in unemployment. This year saw an increase in the number of job applicants. Profits show a steady increase. | enjoy The country is enjoying the biggest increase in business confidence for years. | achieve We achieved a small increase in profits of £3,257. | bring (about), cause, lead to, result in Intensive farming has brought about an increase in outbreaks of food poisoning. The war resulted in a massive increase in government spending. | reflect, represent | entail, involve, mean The measures to improve the health service will involve an increase in government spending. | announce, report The company reported a 9.5% increase in third quarter losses.

INCREASE + VERB occur

PREP. on the ~ Burglaries in the area are on the increase. | ~ in There has been an increase in demand for two-bedroom flats. | ~ on/over The figures show a sharp increase on last year's turnover. | ~ to a dividend increase to 11.4 pence

PHRASES a rate of increase