progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgre-shən 

1

: a sequence of numbers in which each term is related to its predecessor by a uniform law

2

a

: the action or process of progressing : advance

b

: a continuous and connected series : sequence

3

a

: succession of musical tones or chords

b

: the movement of musical parts in harmony

c

: sequence sense 2c

progressional

prə-ˈgresh-nəl 

-ˈgre-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms of progression

• sequence
• chain
• train

Examples of progression in a Sentence

Doctors were surprised by the rapid progression of the disease.

the natural progression of his musical talent

Recent Examples on the Web

This was a huge step forward in the progression of surfing equipment. — Corky Carroll, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026

Now 36, Elizabeth has navigated multiple rounds of cancer progression, including its spread to her brain over the summer, which required gamma knife treatment. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Nov. 2026

In most Alzheimer’s patients, a noticeable atrophy develops over the course of only a few months of disease progression. — Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026

As a child, Link looks almost cherubic, along with the perpetually young Kokiri, and adult Link is a more detailed version of his non-toon GameCube and Wii descendants (in terms of game progression, not in-universe narrative). — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing progression

• arithmetic progression
• geometric progression
• harmonic progression

Rhymes for progression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgresh-ən 

1

: the action of progressing or moving forward

2

: a continuous and connected series (as of acts, events, or steps)

3

: a changing from one chord to another by means of several notes or chords coming one after the other