steepen

verb

steep·​en ˈstē-pən 

-pᵊm

steepened; steepening ˈstē-pə-niŋ 

ˈstēp-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to become steeper

transitive verb

: to make steeper

Examples of steepen in a Sentence

The path steepened as we approached the summit.

A large glacier steepened the side of the mountain.

Recent Examples on the Web

Xu attributed the steepening investment slump to local governments channeling resources into debt restructuring and a shortage of eligible projects in the pipeline. — Anniek Bao,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 July 2026

The term refers to a steepening deviation between upper and lower economic classes, popularized after the Covid-19 pandemic disproportionately hit underprivileged groups. — Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026

That curve is still steepening. — Brian Barlow, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2026

The strategy, from money managers including Columbia Threadneedle Investment and Wellington Management, runs counter to the consensus wager, which is that lengthier tenors will suffer in 2026, especially compared to shorter counterparts, steepening the yield curve. — Michael MacKenzie, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Rhymes for steepen

• cheapen
• deepen
• marzipan

Kids Definition

steepen

verb

steep·​en ˈstē-pən 

steepened; steepening ˈstēp-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become steeper