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

Cloudy early, then gradual clearing, with a high near 65 and a low around 40. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 7 Nov. 2025

Research suggests that regularly consuming kiwi is associated with a gradual improvement in blood pressure levels. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 6 Nov. 2025

Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 43. —Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025

After all, job postings have been on a gradual decline since their peak in March 2022, according to data from the Federal Reserve. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 5 Nov. 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