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 serial numbers on those documents appeared to align with the sequence of the Blast files, forming a consistent chronological progression. — Ruth Margalit, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2026

Tying all this to a generic RPG progression system full of constant but insubstantial upgrades and resources feels more like busywork than anything else. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

The waterproof jacket, the company said, seems like a natural progression to that journey. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

That may ultimately be what makes The Fatal Flaw such an intriguing progression. — Jason Phillips, USA Today, 15 Sep. 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