1
: movement forward or toward a place
the rapid progress of the ship
He made slow progress down the steep cliff.
2
: the process of improving or developing something over a period of time
the progress of science
The project showed slow but steady progress.
She offered a progress report. [=a report about how much work has been done on something]
We're not finished yet, but we're making progress. [=we are moving forward in our work; our work is proceeding/progressing]
progresses; progressed; progressing
1
: to move forward in time
It became colder as the day progressed. [=went on]
2
: to improve or develop over a period of time
The project has been progressing slowly.
The work is progressing and should be completed soon.
3
always followed by an adverb or preposition formal
: to move forward or toward a place
The caravan progressed slowly across the desert.
Cite this Entry
“Progress.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/progress. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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