incremental
UK: ˌɪnkrɪˈment(ə)l | US: ˌɪnkrəˈment(ə)l
adj. relating to or resembling an increment; progressing in small stages
adj. (computing) involving gradual addition or processing of data
The word "incremental" derives from the Latin incrementum (meaning "growth" or "increase"), formed from increscere ("to grow upon," from in- "into" + crescere "to grow"). The suffix -al (from Latin -alis) converts nouns into adjectives, giving "incremental" its modern sense of "pertaining to gradual addition." The term reflects a logical progression from physical growth to abstract, step-by-step processes (e.g., incremental improvements in technology).
The team made incremental progress on the project each week.
Incremental backups save only the data changed since the last backup.
His salary rises were incremental, tied to performance reviews.
The software updates are released in incremental stages.
Climate change requires more than incremental policy adjustments.