cu ‧ mu ‧ la ‧ tive /ˈkjuːmjələtɪv, ˈkjuːmjʊlətɪv $ -leɪtɪv/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: cumulatus , past participle of cumulare ; ⇨ ↑ accumulate ]
increasing gradually as more of something is added or happens:
Learning is a cumulative process.
cumulative effect (of something)
Depression is often caused by the cumulative effects of stress and overwork.