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 Executive Risk Of Inevitability Aging, slower recovery, shifting hormone levels, and the gradual loss of muscle and bone density will naturally happen by default unless an intervention takes place. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, said this would be a gradual process linked to an Israeli withdrawal. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026

Oscar de la Renta, Vogue’s Anna Wintour, Kate Moss and OTB’s Renzo Rosso were among the industry figures who assisted him in his personal recovery from multiple addictions, and a gradual professional rehabilitation. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 31 July 2026

Although a gradual cooling trend is expected to begin Sunday, forecasters say temperatures will remain above normal into next week. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 31 July 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