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

Leroux's guiding principle was a gradual trickling in of opulence, not instant wealth. —Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

While those declines are expected to be gradual, any movement downward helps buyers who otherwise may have been stuck on the sidelines waiting for an affordable moment to act. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026

However, the gradual cooling turned sharply into a freeze by the spring. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026

Growth takes time, and progress can be gradual, but the long-term rewards make the effort worthwhile. —Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Fortune, 8 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