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

• gradational
• incremental
• phased
• piecemeal
• step-by-step

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

While the first two brackets seemed to have an overwhelmingly positive reaction, aside from a few disgruntled fans upset that their favorite queens weren’t moving on to the next round, the third bracket shifted from genuine excitement to what could be seen as gradual fatigue. —Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Though the pandemic devastated many of the area’s independent businesses, Jordan saw opportunity in the district’s gradual revival. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 26 June 2025

Research from the Extreme Heat Resilience Alliance, made up of heat scientists and county officials, found that a gradual increase in the number of days with lows of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit near Miami International Airport from 1939 to 2020. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025

Recently, however, station operators realized the gradual, steady leak had stopped. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 25 June 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