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

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

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

Adjective

• gradational
• incremental
• phased
• piecemeal
• step-by-step

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

The play’s emotional arc hangs on the gradual development of daughter and mother’s relationship — their struggle with each other, their own inner lives, and the ways in which both women love fiercely without always necessarily being able to see clearly. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

This oxygenation event, though gradual, set the stage for multicellular life. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025

Quick follower spikes can also hint at fraudulent behavior, but Social Blade helps weed out quick follower increases that don’t mirror the gradual growth norm. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025

The early part of the weekend calls for rain before a gradual clearing and pleasant conditions. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 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