noun
Uncommon
accumulation
uh-kyoom-yuh-LAY-shuhn
Accumulation (noun) means the gradual gathering of something into a larger amount; also the resulting mass. Example: “Years of accumulation left the attic full of old boxes.”
noun
1
The gradual gathering of something into a larger amount; also the resulting mass.
"Years of accumulation left the attic full of old boxes."
"An accumulation of small mistakes led to the project's failure."
"The slow accumulation of dust on the shelves showed nobody had cleaned the room for months."
How to use accumulation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA buildup of something over time, or the process of that buildup.
Common pairings
accumulation of wealth
an accumulation of evidence
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Word forms
- Plural
- accumulations
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Years of _____ left the attic full of old boxes.
Synonyms
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buildup
amassing
stockpile
pileup
hoard
aggregation
assemblage
collection
accrual
accretion
accruement
retained earnings
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for accumulation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for accumulation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “accumulation” mean?
The word “accumulation” means the gradual gathering of something into a larger amount; also the resulting mass. In plain terms, a buildup of something over time, or the process of that buildup.
How do you pronounce “accumulation”?
“Accumulation” is pronounced uh-kyoom-yuh-LAY-shuhn (/əˌkjuːm.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “accumulation” in a sentence?
Here is “accumulation” used in a sentence: “Years of accumulation left the attic full of old boxes.”
What is another word for “accumulation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accumulation” include retained earnings.
What is the opposite of “accumulation”?
The opposite of “accumulation” — its antonyms — is decumulation.
What part of speech is “accumulation”?
“Accumulation” is a noun.
Is “accumulation” a common word?
“Accumulation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between accumulation and accrual?
Accumulation refers generally to the gradual gathering of something into a larger amount, whether physical items, dust, or money. Accrual is a more specific financial and accounting term describing amounts, especially interest or expenses, building up over time according to set rules, making it a narrower concept than accumulation.
Can accumulation refer to physical things as well as abstract ones?
Yes, accumulation applies equally to physical buildup, such as an accumulation of snow or dust, and to abstract or financial buildup, such as an accumulation of wealth or knowledge. The word describes both the process of gathering and the resulting mass.
How does accumulation relate to retained earnings in finance?
In a financial context, accumulation can refer specifically to retained earnings, meaning profits a company keeps and reinvests rather than distributing to shareholders. This is a specialized use of the more general meaning of gradual gathering into a larger amount.
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