Gradual increase (5-2) Crossword Clue
Answer: BUILD-UP (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Gradual increase (5-2)" with 7 letters is "BUILD-UP". This is a common hyphenated noun phrase meaning a progressive accumulation or growth over time.
Why “BUILD-UP” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase indicating a steady or progressive rise in amount, intensity, or pressure (7 letters total, enumerated as 5-2).
“BUILD-UP” directly captures the sense of something accumulating or increasing gradually, such as a build-up of tension, traffic, or plaque.
The word BUILD-UP has 7 letters (5+2 with the hyphen ignored in counting), so it fits the (5-2) enumeration required by the clue.
A Bit of Background
"Build-up" (or "buildup") as a noun has been in common English usage since the mid-20th century, referring to the gradual increase or accumulation of something, often with connotations of mounting pressure or preparation.
In British-style quick crosswords like the Irish Daily Mail Quick or Mirror Classic, hyphenated phrases such as "build-up" are popular for clues involving progression, escalation, or accumulation due to their precise everyday meaning and frequent appearance in language.
