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

Starting with insufficient and as evidenced by Live Nation’s gradual expansion into myriad aspects of the concert industry, what Live Nation became was no simple, obvious feat. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

Any accumulation from the trace amounts in breast milk would be gradual, with symptoms becoming evident well before catastrophe. —Ben Taub, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Gentle steering and gradual braking are key. —Cheryl Vari, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Jan. 2026

Sometimes its evolution is gradual, but then there are seasons like this one, when multiple cast members leave and the transition to a new era accelerates. —Michael Tedder, The Atlantic, 25 Jan. 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