accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-m(y)ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: something that has accumulated or has been accumulated

an impressive accumulation of knowledge

2

: the action or process of accumulating something : the state of being or having accumulated

the steady accumulation of snow

3

: increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated

accumulation of interest

Synonyms

• collection
• mixture
• cumulation
• pile
• assemblage
• jumble
• accretion
• gathering

Examples of accumulation in a Sentence

a vast accumulation of evidence about the dangers of smoking

the accumulation of leaves on the ground is proceeding at a much faster rate than my raking

Recent Examples on the Web

But without a catalyst such as activist interest, M&A potential, or insider accumulation, the market has little reason to reprice the risk. —Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025

The Lions will need to find a way to cope with the absence of goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and captain Robin Jansson after both received yellow cards against Charlotte and are suspended due to yellow-card accumulation. —Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2025

This results in the accumulation of too many damaged melanocyte cells. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 9 July 2025

The top of the frame features eight drainage holes that help prohibit and disperse rain accumulation. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French accumulacion, borrowed from Latin accumulātiōn-, accumulātiō, from accumulāre "to accumulate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing accumulation

• point of accumulation

Rhymes for accumulation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration
• affiliation

Kids Definition

accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion ə-ˌkyü-myə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: a collecting together : amassing

2

: increase or growth by addition

3

: something accumulated : collection

Legal Definition

accumulation

noun

ac·​cu·​mu·​la·​tion

: increase or growth by addition especially when continuous or repeated

specifically : an increase in the amount of a fund or property by the continuous addition to it of the income or interest it generates

to treat a stock dividend as principal when local law classifies it as income may be deemed an accumulation

—W. M. McGovern, Jr. et al.

see also accumulation trust at trust

Note: Because they prevent the enjoyment and benefit of wealth, accumulations are deemed contrary to public policy. A provision in a will for an accumulation will be invalidated if found to be unreasonable by the court.