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

During the congress, Kim would likely strengthen a policy of cooperation with Russia, China and other nations to bring out gradual economic developments, Kwak said. —CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026

The result is a gradual dimming of the moon followed by a brief but dramatic red glow at totality as thousands of sunsets are projected onto the lunar surface. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

Mylius agrees, noting that while certain harms emerge in sudden crises, others are more gradual. —Harry Booth, Time, 19 Jan. 2026

Reardon said the gradual nature of re-segregation most likely has to do with individual families making decisions about where to send their kids to school. —Silas Allen, Dallas Morning News, 19 Jan. 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