gradual

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

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

gradualness

3 of 3

noun (2)

grad·​u·​al·​ness

-lnə̇s

plural -es

: graduality

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

But its Africa operations — which are still mostly about human health, with a gradual foray into livestock insemination — are benefitting from government funding. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Masons, carvers and conservators all work towards the preservation and enhancement and even creation of heritage, but as experience and knowledge grows so a gradual almost imperceptible transition occurs. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

These impositions are gradual and incredibly well-meaning, although even their medicinal intentions come laced with the word of a foreign lord and savior, whose crucifixes and tales of forgiveness are at odds with the local rituals. — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 20 Sep. 2026

Areas once largely unaffected are increasingly reporting infections, reflecting a gradual expansion of the virus across the country. — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun (1)

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 (1)

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