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

Although Alaska has not elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly two decades, Democrats view the state as increasingly competitive after a series of closer statewide races and a gradual shift toward the political center in recent election cycles. —Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026

The Dutch West India Company limped along in gradual decline before being dissolved in 1794. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 June 2026

Rather than chasing restrictive diets, Purita recommends focusing on gradual improvements in diet quality over time. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 2 June 2026

The idea is that those first steps would create space for gradual deescalation and an effective cessation of hostilities. —Khaled Wassef, CBS News, 1 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