adj
Uncommon
creeping
KREE-pihng
Creeping (adj) means happening very gradually, often in a way that is barely noticed until it becomes serious. Example: “Economists warned about creeping inflation eroding wages.”
adj
1
Happening very gradually, often in a way that is barely noticed until it becomes serious.
"Economists warned about creeping inflation eroding wages."
How to use creeping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a slow, gradual change that sneaks up on you.
Common pairings
creeping inflation
creeping doubt
creeping fear
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Word forms
- Plural
- creepings
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Economists warned about _____ inflation eroding wages.
Etymology
Came into English from Middle English crepynge, crepinde, crepende or crepande, from Old English crēopende, from Proto-Germanic *kreupandz, the present participle of Proto-Germanic *kreupaną ("to creep, crawl"); equivalent to creep + -ing.
Related words
Rhymes for creeping
weeping
peeping
keeping
beeping
seeping
sleeping
sweeping
bleeping
beekeeping
safekeeping
bookkeeping
peacekeeping
See all rhymes for creeping →
Frequently asked questions
What does “creeping” mean?
The word “creeping” means happening very gradually, often in a way that is barely noticed until it becomes serious. In plain terms, describes a slow, gradual change that sneaks up on you.
How do you pronounce “creeping”?
“Creeping” is pronounced KREE-pihng (/ˈkɹiːpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “creeping” in a sentence?
Here is “creeping” used in a sentence: “Economists warned about creeping inflation eroding wages.”
What part of speech is “creeping”?
“Creeping” is an adjective.
Is “creeping” a common word?
“Creeping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between creeping and gradual?
Gradual simply describes something that happens slowly over time, while creeping adds the sense that the change is happening so slowly it goes largely unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem. Creeping often carries a subtly negative or worrying connotation that gradual does not necessarily have.
Why is creeping often used with negative things like doubt or inflation?
Creeping is often paired with problems such as creeping doubt, creeping inflation, or creeping authoritarianism because the word emphasizes a slow, barely perceptible advance that becomes alarming only once it has taken hold. This makes it especially useful for describing dangers that build up unnoticed.
Is creeping always used as a negative word?
Creeping is usually used in a cautionary or negative sense, describing gradual change that is unwelcome or worrying, though it can occasionally describe neutral gradual processes. Its most common usage highlights a slow, insidious progression toward a bad outcome.
