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

Japan has also raised concern over China's gradual escalation of its military activity around remote Japanese islands in the Pacific Ocean. — Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026

But doctors and therapists who treat drug and behavioral addictions have been steadily shifting away from sobriety to emphasize gradual progress and a reduction of harm instead. — Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

East-southeast winds will remain light, helping keep the warming trend gradual. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

The gradual midweek warming trend will continue Friday and Saturday, with high temperatures reaching the mid-70s to the lower 80s by Saturday. — Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 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