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

Oklahoma also enacted a law last year that would trigger gradual income tax rate reductions based on revenue growth, until the tax is phased out. —David A. Lieb, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Accordingly, addressing this issue requires careful and gradual approaches grounded in a deep understanding of the domestic context, in a way that strengthens state authority and ensures that weapons are confined to the hands of the state while maintaining internal stability. —Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026

The long-range forecast shows a gradual warming trend as May begins. —Joseph Dames, CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

The effect appeared gradual and cumulative over time. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 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