In Scrum, what does the term "increment" refer to?

In Scrum, the term "increment" refers specifically to a usable segment of the completed work that adds value to the product. The increment is the sum of all the Product Backlog items completed during a sprint and all previous sprints. Importantly, the increment must be in a usable condition, meaning it is potentially shippable, which allows for a seamless flow of development and the ability to gather feedback after each iteration.

This definition aligns with the nuances of Scrum, emphasizing that the increment should not only reflect completed tasks but should also be integrable into the existing product, thereby enhancing its overall functionality and user value. The focus on usability ensures that at the end of each sprint, the team delivers something that can be reviewed, tested, and potentially delivered to stakeholders or customers.