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

Someone in stage 3 may want to know how food choices, physical activity, or managing medications can help slow progression of kidney disease. — Fresenius Kidney Care, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

The drug significantly delayed cancer progression compared with chemotherapy, giving patients more than a year before their cancer began growing again. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

The goal is to diagnose or identify risk early and develop ways to prevent it or slow its progression. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

McGonigle-Martin said families can face a frightening progression of symptoms when children develop severe complications. — Amelia Mugavero, CBS News, 28 Oct. 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