1 B2 idiomatic neutral
For a number, price, or level to rise very slowly and gradually.
"Inflation has been inching up steadily over the past three months."
inseparable
inch up
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To rise or increase very slowly and gradually, or to move upward in tiny increments.
In plain English
To go up little by little, very slowly.
What does "inch up" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To move physically upward in tiny, cautious increments.
"He inched up the ladder, gripping each rung tightly."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move up one inch at a time — transparent.
Actually means
To go up little by little, very slowly.
Usage tip
Very common in financial, economic, and political reporting. Often used for prices, interest rates, poll numbers, and temperatures. Also used physically for slow upward movement.
Words that pair with "inch up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
prices rates temperature poll numbers inflation costs
How to conjugate "inch up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
inch up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
inches up
he/she/it
Past simple
inched up
yesterday
Past participle
inched up
have + pp
-ing form
inching up
continuous
Hear "inch up" in the wild
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