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

Prince George follows his father in the direct line of succession to the throne and his parents are slowly immersing him in royal duties in a gradual way. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

Making small, gradual changes is more effective for long-term success than attempting a complete overhaul at once. —Bryant Stamford, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Dec. 2025

However, their gradual expansion into sensitive areas such as infrastructure inspection, security operations, healthcare, and elderly care significantly raises the stakes. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 Dec. 2025

Current trends suggest a period of wintry precipitation is possible, especially north and west of I-95, with a gradual change to rain farther south. —Andrew Kozak, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025

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