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

• 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

Mansfield sit in a low block and, despite positive progression up the pitch, Luton’s players lack the courage to attempt the kind of play that will be required to break them down. —Kaya Kaynak, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

Even with the great treatments that are available, progression of the disease may still continue and can’t be totally stopped, even without relapses. —Michelle Maves, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

And then the notion of talent progression is important. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025

Environmental factors seem to play a crucial role in promoting the disease’s development and progression, but the exact causative agents are unknown. —Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025

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