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

The work, which moved more people than Harbour ever dreamed of reaching, came with a gradual loss of his personhood. —Daniel D'addario, Variety, 10 June 2026

How To Start Intermittent Fasting Safely For most healthy adult women, the evidence supports a gradual approach. —Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 2026

The economy had been on a structural turnaround since late 2024, notching up six straight quarterly expansions, and signalling its most stable period of growth in a decade thanks to easing electricity supply and gradual stabilization of public finances. —Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 June 2026

But in otherwise normal healthy adults, the changes are gradual and subtle. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 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