gradual

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

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

gradualness

3 of 3

noun (2)

grad·​u·​al·​ness

-lnə̇s

plural -es

: graduality

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

Peanut butter's fat and protein slow digestion, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026

The gradual resumption of oil flows, however slow, will materially affect the oil balance. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 17 June 2026

Conditions will improve over the weekend with more sunshine and a gradual warming trend, though there could be some passing showers on Sunday. —Chris Shaffer, CBS News, 17 June 2026

This year marks a return to Royal Ascot for the Princess of Wales, who missed the 2025 event amid her then-gradual return to work after her cancer treatment. —Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 17 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun (1)

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 (1)

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