gradualism

noun

grad·​u·​al·​ism ˈgra-jə-wə-ˌli-zəm 

-jə-ˌli-

1

: the policy of approaching a desired end by gradual stages

2

: the evolution of new species by gradual accumulation of small genetic changes over long periods of time

also : a theory or model of evolution emphasizing this compare punctuated equilibrium

gradualist

ˈgra-jə-wə-list 

-jə-list

noun or adjective

gradualistic

ˌgra-jə(-wə)-ˈli-stik 

adjective

Examples of gradualism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The absence of major escalations in Ukraine has led critics to argue that the Biden administration should have been bolder and abandoned the very gradualism that likely helped prevent escalation in the first place. —Michael Poznansky, Foreign Affairs, 3 Jan. 2025

The other thing is that gradualism requires financing. —Vera Bergengruen/buenos Aires, TIME, 23 May 2024

And because of gradualism built into the tax code, comptrollers are just about to start feeling the full effects of the wave of defaults that started a few years ago, said Van Niewerburgh. —Dylan Sloan, Fortune, 25 Feb. 2024

Still, our Judaism—if that’s the word for it—affirmed idiosyncrasy, worldliness, dignity, science, exegesis, law, property, gradualism, poetic license, peace, freedom, memory, and humor. —Jordan Castro, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for gradualism

• activism
• ageism
• albinism
• altruism
• aneurism
• animism
• aphorism
• atomism
• barbarism
• bolshevism
• botulism
• brahmanism

Kids Definition

gradualism

noun

grad·​u·​al·​ism ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl-ˌiz-əm 

ˈgraj-əl-

: the policy of approaching a desired goal by gradual stages

gradualist

-əst 

noun or adjective