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

Treating aortic stenosis There are no medications to prevent aortic stenosis or slow its progression, Russo said. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026

Hair loss treatment for men In men, treatment usually focuses on slowing the genetic progression of their hair loss and maintaining hair density, says Baird. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026

There is currently no cure or treatment to stop disease progression. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026

These 13 buildings span centuries and capture, in microcosm, the city’s unique progression through time and arrival in the present. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 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