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

The staff looks forward to watching his on-field progression. — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

The wage progression for new hires improves, as are the Defined Benefit and other pension plans. — Jackie Charniga, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026

During an episode of The Osbournes Podcast in 2024, Ozzy shared a blunt update on the progression of the project. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2026

The program aims to address the overwhelming stress and concern people living with dementia and their caregivers have due to progression of the disease. — Hillary Lum, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 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