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noun Uncommon

buildup

BIHL-duhp

Buildup (noun) means a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time. Example: “There was a slow buildup of tension before the announcement.”

noun
1
A gradual increase or accumulation of something over time.
"There was a slow buildup of tension before the announcement."
"Doctors found a buildup of plaque in the artery."

How to use buildup

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe gradual piling-up of something — pressure, tension, material, or numbers.

Common pairings
a buildup of pressure military buildup gradual buildup

Word forms

buildups plural

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Fill the gap

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There was a slow _____ of tension before the announcement.

Etymology

Formed from the phrasal verb "build up," turned into a single noun.

Antonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

What does “buildup” mean?

The word “buildup” means a gradual increase or accumulation of something over time. In plain terms, the gradual piling-up of something — pressure, tension, material, or numbers.

How do you pronounce “buildup”?

“Buildup” is pronounced BIHL-duhp (/ˈbɪldʌp/ in IPA).

How do you use “buildup” in a sentence?

Here is “buildup” used in a sentence: “There was a slow buildup of tension before the announcement.”

What is the opposite of “buildup”?

The opposite of “buildup” — its antonyms — is teardown.

What part of speech is “buildup”?

“Buildup” is a noun.

Is “buildup” a common word?

“Buildup” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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