gradation

noun

gra·​da·​tion grā-ˈdā-shən 

grə-

1

a

: a series forming successive stages

the gradations of evolutionary development

b

: a step or place in an ordered scale

2

: an advance by regular degrees

gradations of social progress

3

: a gradual passing from one tint or shade to another

4

: the act or process of grading

5

: ablaut

gradational

grā-ˈdā-sh(ə-)nəl 

grə-

adjective

gradationally adverb

Did you know?

In the Boy Scouts, gradations of rank move upward from Tenderfoot to Eagle Scout. A violin or a voice can produce gradations of musical pitch too small to appear in written music. In the 18th century Jonathan Swift could even write of "the several kinds and gradations of laughter, which ladies must daily practice by the looking-glass".

Examples of gradation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike the Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises, there’s no clear prestige Friday the 13th film — just minor gradations in the quality of makeup effects or the creativity of the kills. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026

Participants will apply traditional Japanese colors to ultra-thin, nearly translucent silk, painting not only from the front but also experimenting with urazaishiki, or reverse-side coloring, as well as delicate gradation techniques. — The Editors Of Artnews, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026

The proprietary optical engine from the previous model has been enhanced for improved color reproduction and smoother gradation. — New Atlas, 6 Aug. 2026

The fineness of the line between the two genres indicates that in her work overall, change is a matter of gradations. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

see grade entry 1

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gradation

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

gradation

noun

gra·​da·​tion grā-ˈdā-shən 

grə-

1

a

: a series of grades

b

: grade entry 2 sense 2

2

: the act or process of grading

gradational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

gradationally

-ē

adverb