Pronunciation: [ˈɪŋɡɹə͡ʊsɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "ingrossing" is spelled with a double S, despite the fact that it is pronounced with a single S sound. This spelling anomaly is due to the word's origin in the Old French word "engrosser", which was spelled with two S's. Over time, the pronunciation of the word shifted, but the spelling remained the same. The IPA phonetic transcription for "ingrossing" is /ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ/, with the stress on the second syllable.
Ingrossing, in the context of business or commerce, refers to the act of monopolizing or acquiring an excessive amount of a particular commodity or product with the intention of controlling its supply in order to manipulate the market and increase prices to one's advantage.
Literally meaning "to gather into a mass," ingrossing involves the practice of amassing a large quantity of goods or resources, often by purchasing them in bulk or by depleting the market's existing supply. This strategic accumulation seeks to restrict the availability of the said product or resource to other market participants, thereby enabling the individual or entity that has ingrossed it to exert significant influence over its price and distribution. By monopolizing the market, ingrossing gives the individual or entity the power to dictate terms and conditions, sparking a potential imbalance between supply and demand.
However, ingrossing is generally considered an unfair and unethical business practice, as it undermines free competition and can harm consumers by driving up prices and limiting choices. Various legal frameworks and regulations are in place to deter and address such actions, with authorities often intervening to prevent market manipulation and protect the interests of the general public.
It is important to note that ingrossing is distinct from honest and legal practices of buying in bulk to achieve economies of scale or to meet the demands of a particular market. The key distinction lies in the intent to artificially control supply with the aim of altering market dynamics and maximizing personal gain.
The word "ingrossing" originates from the Old English verb "ingrossian", which means "to amass, acquire, or collect in large quantities". It is derived from the combination of the prefix "in-" meaning "to or into" and the root "grossian" meaning "to acquire or gather". Over time, the meaning of "ingrossing" evolved to refer specifically to monopolizing or controlling a commodity or market by purchasing or accumulating large amounts of it.
