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

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

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

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

The strategy focuses on implementing a gradual approach to integrate FERNRIDE-enabled autonomous terminal tractors at HHLA TK Estonia without safety drivers. —Richard Bishop, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025

Annual fatality rates in TxDOT’s Fort Worth district — encompassing Tarrant, Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell and Wise counties — displayed a gradual rise before spiking in 2021. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 July 2025

Then in 2008, sandbar sharks were protected in state and federal waters — leading to the gradual population rebound in recent years. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 7 July 2025

Having lured Hogan over from the WWF, Bischoff had noted a gradual ebbing in the current of Hulkamania. —James Parker, The Atlantic, 6 July 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