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

Analysts with GasBuddy project gradual increases at the pump this week, anywhere from 10 to 30 cents a gallon. —Noel Brennan, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026

Stola’s reinstatement represents a gradual shift back to investigations of Polish-Jewish history, across cultural and academic institutions, that were dashed by the previous government. —Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026

However, Gilbert and his colleagues noted that the trend was very gradual. —Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2026

The gradual repayment will lessen an immediate budget strain. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

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