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

Mahomes has actually been way better at working through progressions this year than last, as Star columnist Sam McDowell pointed out a couple weeks back. —Pete Sweeney november 14, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2025

While some still laud his potential, others have expressed serious concern over his lack of immediate progression. —Matthew Schmidt, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Nov. 2025

According to Gang, some individuals in service believe their injuries are not severe enough to warrant official reporting or worry about affecting career progression or unit dynamics. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

There are some full-field progressions that McCarthy has handled well. —Alec Lewis, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025

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