Words / C1

uh-kyoom-y-uh-LAYSHUN/əˌkjuːmjəˈleɪʃn/

Accumulation is a build-up over time: the accumulation of errors, wealth accumulation. Accumulate is the verb (already in the dictionary). Collection can be deliberate; accumulation often just happens. A backlog is work waiting, not always a pile of stuff.

Meaning

A gradual increase or build-up of something over time.

Examples

• “The accumulation of small errors ruined the results.”
• “Salt accumulation damaged the old pipes.”
• “The paper traces the accumulation of small legal changes.”

Good to know

the accumulation of + noun. Verb: accumulate. Deliberate set: collection.

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