The verb is pronounced /ɪnkri:s/. The noun is pronounced /ɪnkri:s/.
( increased)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
If something increases or you increase it, it becomes greater in number, level, or amount.
The population continues to increase...
Japan’s industrial output increased by 2%...
The company has increased the price of its cars...
≠ decrease
VERB : V , V by/from/to amount , V n
2.
If there is an increase in the number, level, or amount of something, it becomes greater.
...a sharp increase in productivity...
= rise
≠ decrease
N-COUNT : oft N in n , N of amount
3.
If something is on the increase , it is happening more often or becoming greater in number or intensity.
Crime is on the increase.
PHRASE : v-link PHR