the theory, or implementation thereof, that change should be introduced gradually or by increments
It's revolutionary - which is why slow incrementalism hasn't worked.
incrementalism in American English
(ˌinkrəˈmentlˌɪzəm, ˌiŋ-)
noun
a policy of making changes, esp. social changes, by degrees; gradualism
Derived forms
incrementalist
noun or adjective
Word origin
[1965–70; incremental + -ism]This word is first recorded in the period 1965–70. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Finlandization, T cell, isometric exercise, red-eye, wraparound-ism is a suffix appearing in loanwords from Greek, where it was used to form action nounsfrom verbs (baptism). On this model, -ism is used as a productive suffix in the formation of nouns denoting action or practice,state or condition, principles, doctrines, a usage or characteristic, devotion oradherence, etc. (criticism; barbarism; Darwinism; despotism; plagiarism; realism; witticism; intellectualism)
Examples of 'incrementalism' in a sentence
incrementalism
Ad hocery and incrementalism will not stem decline.
Globe and Mail (2010)
But to us, their incrementalism seems like pragmatism.
Houston Chronicle (2010)
Incrementalism is the medium of adaptation, which is quite different from change.
Globe and Mail (2003)
This is no time for the incrementalism of quarter-point cuts.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This doubtless reflects a preference for the prosaic realities of incrementalism over the heroic assumptions of socialism.
The Times Literary Supplement (2015)
The electorate will not be inspired by any approach that appears to be insipid incrementalism.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In normal circumstances her cautious incrementalism would have disqualified her from the top job, but these are not normal circumstances.