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

Thorough audit of old architecture, gradual migration of key components, facades, abstractions to avoid breaking everything at once. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025

As time went by and social media users continued to offer advice, the kitten showed gradual signs of improvement. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Mortgage interest rates have been on a gradual decline for much of this year and that could continue in the upcoming weeks if the Federal Reserve issues another interest rate cut on December 10. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

In many cases, the effects of blood pressure medication are gradual. —Craig O. Weber, Verywell Health, 4 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