progress

noun

prog·ress | \ ˈprä-grəs

, -ˌgres, US also and British usually ˈprō-ˌgres\

Definition of progress

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : a royal journey marked by pomp and pageant

(2) : a state procession

b : a tour or circuit made by an official (such as a judge)

c : an expedition, journey, or march through a region

2 : a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or to a goal) : advance

3 : gradual betterment especially : the progressive development of humankind

in progress

: going on : occurring

progress

verb

pro·gress | \ prə-ˈgres

progressed; progressing; progresses

Definition of progress (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to move forward : proceed

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

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about progress

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Examples of progress in a Sentence

Noun

the rapid progress of the ship He made slow progress down the steep cliff. The project showed slow but steady progress.

Verb

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: Noun

There are scientists trying to make zero-impact luxury fuzz, but the technology isn’t there yet—even though fashion pioneers like McCartney and H&M are making progress. — Faran Krentcil, Harper's BAZAAR, "Should Fur Be Illegal?," 13 Sep. 2019 Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee is making progress and has a better chance of being active for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. — Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle, "'Arrow trending toward' return of Texans' Keke Coutee," 13 Sep. 2019 The authors claim that despite real and enduring problems, humans are making progress. — Sara Clarkson, chicagotribune.com, "Clarkson: First-year college reading lists give a taste of campus discussions, thoughts," 12 Sep. 2019 Nicolas Sarkozy made a bit more progress in 2010, but still not nearly enough. — The Economist, "Another French president tries pension reform," 12 Sep. 2019 Riggs said Firman made progress with the reform of the department but there still is work to be done. — Elise Schmelzer, The Denver Post, "Denver appoints interim sheriff after resignation of Patrick Firman," 12 Sep. 2019 According to Football Insider, Walker-Peters has recovered from the hamstring strain and has been working hard outdoors at the club’s Enfield training headquarters this week alongside other non-internationals, making good progress. — SI.com, "Kyle Walker-Peters Set to Return for Tottenham Against Crystal Palace Following Injury," 11 Sep. 2019 The only way to make progress is by landing pointed blows, particularly against the party elites and their bank accounts (which are reliant on party-owned, nepotistic, monopolist companies). — Chen Guangcheng, Twin Cities, "Chen Guangcheng: Trump has the right strategy on Beijing. As a Chinese dissident, I’d know.," 5 Sep. 2019 Droegemeier has promised to make progress on all four issues, a hugely challenging goal given their complexity. — Jeffrey Mervis, Science | AAAS, "New memo offers first glimpse of how Trump’s science adviser would like to shape spending priorities," 4 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The league, meanwhile, started the season with a saccharine promotional campaign to turn protest to progress, as a favorite talking point of N.F.L. executives goes. — Kevin Draper, New York Times, "Colin Kaepernick ‘Dream Crazy’ Ad Wins Nike an Emmy," 16 Sep. 2019 Hopefully our understanding of this tricky concept will progress hand in hand with our understanding of quantum mechanics itself. — Quanta Magazine, "Where Quantum Probability Comes From," 9 Sep. 2019 After failing to progress through the Stars’ organization, Campbell rose to the Kings’ full-time backup role behind Jonathan Quick last season. — Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, "The Kings and Ducks show off their prospects on first full day of rookie camp," 7 Sep. 2019 The case had progressed through the federal legal system and was headed toward trial before the settlement was announced this week. — James Brooks, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska will pay $100,000 and change procedures to settle lawsuit over treatment of Muslim inmates," 6 Sep. 2019 Texas tried to pass reforms in the 2017 session, but the bail industry's lobbying efforts helped thwart the measure from progressing, according to a committee staff member. — Collette Richards, CNN, "States are trying to change a system that keeps poor people in jail. The bail industry is blocking them.," 30 Aug. 2019 Texas tried to pass reforms in the 2017 session, but the bail industry’s lobbying efforts helped thwart the measure from progressing, according to a committee staff member. — Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, "States are trying to change a system that keeps poor people in jail. The bail industry is blocking them.," 30 Aug. 2019 But according to the last major survey of the field, women currently hold only 17 percent of partner or principal positions at architecture firms, one among many remaining obstacles to progress. — Diana Budds, Curbed, "Inside the AIA’s efforts to address #MeToo," 5 Aug. 2019 Fire officials said Friday's unexpected cloud cover and higher humidity allowed crews to improve containment of the fire and keep it from progressing along the southern perimeter. — Chelsea Curtis, azcentral, "Cellar Fire 18% contained as firefighters work to protect properties," 19 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'progress.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.