noun

escalation

/ˌɛskəˈleɪʃən/ · say it: ES·kuh·LAY·shuhn

moving an issue to a higher level of authority

In Business & Marketing

In more detail

1. (noun) a situation becoming more serious, intense, or dangerous

2. (noun) an increase in amount, level, or degree

Examples

1. The conflict between the two countries led to an escalation of military tensions.
2. There has been an escalation in house prices over the last five years.

How to use escalation

Escalation typically refers to an undesirable or uncontrolled increase in intensity or seriousness, particularly in contexts of conflict, violence, prices, or problems. It implies a progression or worsening rather than a simple increase, and is commonly used in political, military, business, and diplomatic contexts.

Common phrases

escalation of conflict
military escalation
price escalation
escalation clause
risk of escalation
escalation spiral

Synonyms

intensification · increase · aggravation · acceleration · heightening

Opposites

de-escalation · reduction · decrease

Word family

escalate (verb) · escalating (adjective) · escalated (adjective) · escalator (noun - device)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use escalation for any increase; note that it specifically suggests a worsening progression or advancement toward a more serious state, not merely a numerical rise.

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