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

• 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

Went through the progression as normal and got two negative plays in a row after the screen. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Oct. 2025

That extended catharsis led to acceptance, a journey mirrored by the album’s progression. —Maura Johnston, Rolling Stone, 10 Oct. 2025

Thompson’s progression as a ballhandler who can alleviate pressure off Cunningham won’t happen overnight. —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025

Disease progression was measured by the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale, which assesses motor, cognitive and functional capabilities. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 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