1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To increase gradually and almost imperceptibly over time.
"Inflation has been creeping up steadily for the past six months."
inseparable
creep up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To increase or rise gradually and slowly, often without being immediately noticed; or to approach someone quietly.
In plain English
To slowly go higher or get bigger little by little, so you almost don't notice.
What does "creep up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To move towards someone or something slowly and quietly.
"The cat crept up slowly, eyes fixed on the unsuspecting bird."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To creep means to move very slowly; 'up' indicates upward direction — something moving upward very gradually.
Actually means
To slowly go higher or get bigger little by little, so you almost don't notice.
Usage tip
Frequently used in news and financial reporting about prices, temperatures, or statistics. Also used for physical movement. Often implies the increase is unwanted or concerning.
Words that pair with "creep up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
prices temperatures rates costs levels numbers
How to conjugate "creep up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
creep up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
creeps up
he/she/it
Past simple
creeped up
yesterday
Past participle
creeped up
have + pp
-ing form
creeping up
continuous
Hear "creep up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "creep up"
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