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 numbers can sound intimidating to beginner or intermediate skiers (or those with kids, like me), but there are also three magic carpets for beginners along with plenty of mellow greens and blues for progression. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2026

Manager Dave Roberts feels good about Rushing’s progression. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Preliminary studies have suggested that the same method could be used to determine a progression timeline. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 Feb. 2026

Some policymakers described the event as a natural progression from the Paris summit, which kicked off the shift in priorities from governance to commerce, and left the summit often feeling more like a trade fair than a diplomatic gathering. —Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Feb. 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