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

Environmental conditions appear favorable for gradual strengthening during the next few days as the system approaches the Hawaiian Islands, the hurricane center said in an online forecast. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Forecasters said Lala would cross the waters of the marine national monument for a few days at hurricane strength despite some gradual weakening. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Cognitive decline is usually a gradual process, and aging adults' needs can change over time, noted Valerie Galinskaya, head of the Merrill Center for Family Wealth. — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Deloitte found that 44% of Gen Z workers and 45% of millennials prefer a more gradual career path over rapid promotion. — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 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