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

Sea-Intelligence modeled the European import surge under different scenarios, ranging from an instantaneous switch back to the Suez by all shipping lines, to a more gradual phase-in over two, four or six weeks. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025

Trump’s substantial and widespread tariffs are having an effect on overall inflation, but instead of a surge, the pass-through to consumers has been ongoing, gradual and uneven (for a multitude of reasons). —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

Prestige beauty, which sits within the division, grew at mid-single digits as the overall market showed gradual improvement. —Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025

Sarcopenia Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and performance that can happen with age. —Devineé Lingo, Health, 23 Oct. 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