progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgre-shən 

1

: a sequence of numbers in which each term is related to its predecessor by a uniform law

2

a

: the action or process of progressing : advance

b

: a continuous and connected series : sequence

3

a

: succession of musical tones or chords

b

: the movement of musical parts in harmony

c

: sequence sense 2c

progressional

prə-ˈgresh-nəl 

-ˈgre-shə-nᵊl

adjective

Synonyms of progression

• sequence
• chain
• train

Examples of progression in a Sentence

Doctors were surprised by the rapid progression of the disease.

the natural progression of his musical talent

Recent Examples on the Web

That is the natural progression for many veterans. —Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026

Note his high rankings in front-foot defending, pass progression, creative threat and shot frequency. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 29 May 2026

Clad in an Avaro Figlio powder blue drop-waist gown with a black bodice, Bailey unleashed her box braids on the carpet, exposing the subtle progression of her dark coloring. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 28 May 2026

Clarke has been tracking the tactical progression of the war. —Ramy Inocencio, CBS News, 28 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing progression

• arithmetic progression
• geometric progression
• harmonic progression

Rhymes for progression

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

progression

noun

pro·​gres·​sion prə-ˈgresh-ən 

1

: the action of progressing or moving forward

2

: a continuous and connected series (as of acts, events, or steps)

3

: a changing from one chord to another by means of several notes or chords coming one after the other