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

Since lipid metabolism is involved, diet and cholesterol control might partly influence disease progression in APOE4 carriers, though this remains under investigation. —New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025

And, as if that progression wasn't impressive enough, he's now started a game in the ALDS, two in the ALCS, and Game 1 of the World Series. —Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

Her appointment to Hermès Menswear feels like a natural and exciting progression. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

The severity and progression of each flu season can be quite unpredictable, experts say, but national analysis of data and trends can help make the season’s outlook less blurry. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 22 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