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

Previous research on Ivy League athletes has also found stronger long-term career outcomes, including higher cumulative earnings and greater progression into senior corporate roles. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Kisunla is designed to help slow the progression of early symptomatic Alzheimer's by targeting the brain to break up and remove amyloid plaques, which are a hallmark of the disease. — Lauren Pastrana, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

The delay in natural progression is so severe that the children of Russia’s aging elites are being introduced below them in bureaucratic positions of their own, bypassing an intermediate generation. — Julian G. Waller, Foreign Affairs, 7 Aug. 2026

What may have come as a surprise to many, to me, feels like a natural progression. — Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 6 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