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

a gradual change in temperature

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

a gradual climb to the top

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

variants often Gradual

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 of gradual

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

Over the last 16 months, visitors have seen gradual and noticeable progress on security, with the hiring of armed security guards, better lighting, a push to rehab office space as well as cosmetic changes that include facade work on the Plaza’s signature, domed towers. —Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

The goal is not to ask anyone to transform overnight, but to offer a path toward gradual, practical adoption, one step at a time. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 14 Nov. 2025

The prevailing hypothesis suggests a gradual recovery that spanned approximately eight million years, during which amphibians and reptiles slowly invaded the open ocean in stages. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Nov. 2025

Kent McCoy’s gradual transformation into the final clown form was really well designed and executed. —Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 14 Nov. 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