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 iPhone 17 Apple's vanilla one-size-fits-most iPhone is always the centerpiece of the lineup, and this year's iteration is expected to bring the typical batch of gradual iterative upgrades. —Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 5 Sep. 2025

Cloudy through mid-morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 73 degrees. —Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Sep. 2025

The storm is moving toward the west, and this general motion is expected to continue over the next couple of days, with a gradual turn toward the west-northwest expected later this week. —Gabe Hauari, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

These quarterbacks represent the culmination of decades of struggle and gradual change in a league that once systematically excluded Black athletes from football’s most important position. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 4 Sep. 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