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

The problem of longevity possesses philosophical and practical contradictions, now heightened by the gradual disappearance of artists of Serra’s generation and the uncertain posthumous legacy of their work. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026

There are recent signs that the gradual decline in church attendance has leveled off. — John Blake, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky also voiced support for the measure, saying the gradual ramp-up will give city leaders time to find the money. — Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

His assassination in April 1968, nearly five years after his appearance at the march, and his gradual canonization as the greatest of all the movement’s martyrs, have inextricably linked King and his iconic address with that day. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

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