gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrā-dē-ənt 

1

a

: the rate of regular or graded (see grade entry 2 sense transitive 2) ascent or descent : inclination

b

: a part sloping upward or downward

2

: change in the value of a quantity (such as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit distance in a specified direction

3

: the vector sum of the partial derivatives with respect to the three coordinate variables x, y, and z of a scalar quantity whose value varies from point to point

4

: a graded difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the body or an embryonic field)

Did you know?

Any slope can be called a gradient. In the interstate highway system, the maximum gradient is 6 percent; in other words, the highway may never ascend more than 6 vertical feet over a distance of 100 feet. Any rate of change that's shown on a graph may have a sloped gradient. Suppose the graph's horizontal axis shows the passage of time and its vertical axis shows some activity; if the activity is happening very fast, then the gradient of the line on the graph will be steep, but if it's slow the gradient will be gentle, or gradual.

Synonyms of gradient

• slope
• inclination
• incline

Examples of gradient in a Sentence

the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off

Recent Examples on the Web

The containers themselves nest together nicely from largest to smallest on top, creating a lovely chromatic gradient. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026

The ring features a gradient of pink diamonds going down the band, and both of their deceased parents’ birthstones sit alongside theirs—one on each side. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026

Engineers maintained extremely gentle gradients across long distances while using tunnels, channels, and arched bridges to cross uneven terrain. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

These thermal gradients generate stresses that may crack or spall – chip or flake off – the outer surface, but the heat often does not penetrate deeply enough to compromise the structural core. — Giorgia Giardina, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gradient

• radiant

Kids Definition

gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt 

1

: slope entry 3 sense 2, grade

2

: a continuous graded change in measure, activity, or substance

vertical temperature gradient in a lake

a gradient in developmental activity in a seedling

Medical Definition

gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt 

1

: change in the value of a quantity (as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit on a linear scale

2

: a graded difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the body or an embryonic field)

3

usually gradient of effect : change in response with distance from the stimulus