gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl 

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

1

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

1

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

2

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Synonyms

Adjective

• incremental
• phased

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective

We noticed a gradual change in temperature.

The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Following Fidel Castro’s departure from public life in 2008, Cuba’s subsequent leader, and Fidel’s brother, Raul Castro, announced a series of gradual steps intended to encourage private enterprise that had long been curtailed by the government. —Joseph J. Gonzalez, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

But one area that remained dominated by country crooners and fans, albeit amid gradual change, was Broadway. —Leena Tailor, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025

Metsera said gradual, one-to-two step increases in that dose could give the drug a tolerability edge over rivals in the GLP-1 class. —Annika Kim Constantino,bertha Coombs, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025

The playful post also sparked debate, with some users warning that young dogs need gradual training before being left alone. —Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·​u·​al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun