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

Firefighters are battling to slow the flames' progression toward Bordeaux, both on the ground and in the air, with planes dropping water and retardants. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

After the restaurant closed in 2017, Keller invited him to Napa Valley to join The French Laundry as a sommelier, a move that felt like a natural progression. — Yuri Shima, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Injury updates Right-hander Tyler Glasnow (back spasms) has progressed to the live batting practice phase of his rehab progression, Roberts said. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026

If the opening fanfares for Brat tracks served as invitations to the dance floor, Music’s crunchy progressions invite the question of where else Charli, Cook, and Keane are headed. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 24 July 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