progress

verb

pro·​gress prə-ˈgres 

progressed; progressing; progresses

intransitive verb

1

: to move forward : proceed

2

: to develop to a higher, better, or more advanced stage

Synonyms of progress

• grow
• develop

Examples of progress in a Sentence

The project has been progressing slowly.

The work is progressing and should be completed soon.

The caravan progressed slowly across the desert.

Recent Examples on the Web

At previous tournaments, some teams and supporters have appeared happy just to enjoy the experience with little hope of progressing beyond the group stage. —Oliver Kay, New York Times, 11 June 2026

While not intended for immediate commercial production, the project highlights progress toward practical electric aircraft that address key limitations in energy storage and safety. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 10 June 2026

There may be more free drops like these as the group stage progresses over the next three weeks, either nationally or locally in any number of the 16 host markets. —Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026

The backup quarterback battle continues to heat up as the Dallas Cowboys progress with organized team activities. —Cal Phillips june 10, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing progress

• in progress
• make progress
• progress report
• work in progress

Rhymes for progress

• abbess
• abscess
• access
• address
• assess
• caress
• confess
• depress
• digress
• distress
• egress
• excess

Kids Definition

progress

1 of 2 noun

prog·​ress ˈpräg-rəs 

-ˌres

chiefly British ˈprō-ˌgres

1

: a moving toward a goal

the progress of a ship

2

: gradual improvement or advancement

the progress of science

progress

2 of 2 verb

pro·​gress prə-ˈgres 

1

: to move forward : advance, proceed

the story progressed

how is the experiment progressing?

2

: to move toward a higher, better, or more advanced stage