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

In 2023, Charter launched a tuition-free education benefit for employees in conjunction with Guild, providing a structured career progression program. —Ian Thomas, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2026

This would allow Sborz, who did not pitch last season after elbow surgery, to continue his progression in the minor leagues. —Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 22 Mar. 2026

Because of the very rapid speed of progression, clinicians are advised to maintain a high level of suspicion. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 20 Mar. 2026

The work of documentaries must be rigorous, contextualized, and unflinching enough to help stop the progression of an insidious message and movement. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 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