eco-incrementalism

Implementing systems that may only show results later for long term benefit, specifically regarding climate change and equity. For example, eliminating single-use plastic in stores and instead having to bring your own containers would go against the easy short-term-gratification way of doing things, however, it would benefit the society and the individual in the long run. Another example is implementing solar panels in more places - short term it would cost more but in the long run it would be cheaper and better for the environment.

Company X should adopt eco-incrementalism in their systems and opt for solar energy instead of fossil fuels.

by sofistry December 12, 2022

incremental morale degradation

A step by step reduction in the psychological condition of an individual or group.

Despite being fully capable of success, Joe went through incremental morale degradation over the period of several years and no longer wanted to succeed.

Incremental morale degradation struck the heart of the soccer team. What started as confidence and hope for an easy win turned into a psychological train wreck.

They used incremental morale degradation techniques against the troops. Surrender seemed like the only option.

by Ontological June 24, 2018

Incremental

An individual who is depicted as lazy or sleepy

"They were so incremental"

by Potato fan May 27, 2023

Weaponized Incrementalism

The tactic of demanding that change happen only in tiny, manageable increments, then using the slowness of incremental change to argue that no real change is happening. Weaponized incrementalism is what happens when opponents of reform pose as friends of progress, always supporting "reasonable" steps while opposing anything substantial. It's the logic of "let's study the problem further" (delay), "let's start with a pilot program" (containment), "let's wait for consensus" (permanent waiting). Weaponized incrementalism allows its users to appear reasonable while ensuring nothing significant ever changes. The cure is recognizing that some problems require systemic solutions, not incremental tinkering, and that "reasonable" steps can be a mask for resistance.

Weaponized Incrementalism Example: "They'd been studying police reform for years—commissions, reports, pilot programs. Weaponized incrementalism had turned reform into a permanent process with no outcome. Each step was reasonable; collectively, they added up to nothing. The system continued unchanged, which was exactly what the incrementalists wanted."

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal February 17, 2026