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 gradual combination of these skills helps students avoid most crashes in the long term, leading to less discouragement and frustration. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

This can seem helpful in areas like relationships, where gradual cues matter. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

To many fans who feel that The Office began a gradual downhill climb in the fifth season, when showrunner Greg Daniels and writer Michael Schur left to launch Parks and Rec, this episode concludes the show’s golden age. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025

The polar vortex is beginning its seasonal strengthening, signaling a gradual shift toward cooler weather. —Brandi D. Addison, jsonline.com, 8 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