gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrā-dē-ənt 

1

a

: the rate of regular or graded (see grade entry 2 sense transitive 2) ascent or descent : inclination

b

: a part sloping upward or downward

2

: change in the value of a quantity (such as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit distance in a specified direction

3

: the vector sum of the partial derivatives with respect to the three coordinate variables x, y, and z of a scalar quantity whose value varies from point to point

4

: a graded difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the body or an embryonic field)

Did you know?

Any slope can be called a gradient. In the interstate highway system, the maximum gradient is 6 percent; in other words, the highway may never ascend more than 6 vertical feet over a distance of 100 feet. Any rate of change that's shown on a graph may have a sloped gradient. Suppose the graph's horizontal axis shows the passage of time and its vertical axis shows some activity; if the activity is happening very fast, then the gradient of the line on the graph will be steep, but if it's slow the gradient will be gentle, or gradual.

Synonyms

• slope
• inclination
• incline

Examples of gradient in a Sentence

the path goes up at a pretty steep gradient before leveling off

Recent Examples on the Web

The acoustic speaker grilles and floor mats also feature a unique gradient finish inspired by the way the sun fades into the Pacific at twilight. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2025

This, combined with the steep gradients, means that rain and snowmelt quickly wash fecal matter—not just from humans, but from dogs and natural wildlife—from the surrounding slopes down into the low-lying lakes. —Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 23 July 2025

Meanwhile, the day proved difficult for some of the earlier breakaway hopefuls, as the steep gradients and relentless tempo whittled down the field. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 July 2025

As bright as the sun, the lemon-yellow model dial gradient from black to yellow with coordinating strap brings a pop of warmth wherever worn — from the office to dining out to the beach. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 28 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin gradient-, gradiens, present participle of gradi

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for gradient

• radiant

Kids Definition

gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt 

1

: slope entry 3 sense 2, grade

2

: a continuous graded change in measure, activity, or substance

vertical temperature gradient in a lake

a gradient in developmental activity in a seedling

Medical Definition

gradient

noun

gra·​di·​ent ˈgrād-ē-ənt 

1

: change in the value of a quantity (as temperature, pressure, or concentration) with change in a given variable and especially per unit on a linear scale

2

: a graded difference in physiological activity along an axis (as of the body or an embryonic field)

3

usually gradient of effect : change in response with distance from the stimulus