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

Russian advances have come at great cost to Moscow's forces, and their gradual pace shows little sign of imminent victory. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

Foster, the Angels minor leaguer who suffered serious brain injuries in a car accident in September, is now making gradual progress at a hospital in Atlanta. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 25 Nov. 2025

Carriers have plans for a gradual phase-in of the transition back to the Red Sea, with smaller vessels starting to transit first. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 25 Nov. 2025

There is, however, a gradual shift toward a segregating process in which brain regions become more compartmentalized. —New Atlas, 25 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