gradual

1 of 2

adjective

grad·​u·​al ˈgra-jə-wəl 

-jəl,

ˈgraj-wəl

1

: moving, changing, or developing by fine or often imperceptible degrees

2

: proceeding by steps or degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun

gradual

2 of 2

noun

often capitalized

1

: a book containing the choral parts of the Mass

2

: a pair of verses (as from the Psalms) proper after the Epistle in the Mass

Synonyms

Adjective

• gradational
• incremental
• phased
• piecemeal
• step-by-step

Examples of gradual in a Sentence

Adjective

We noticed a gradual change in temperature.

The hospital has made gradual improvements in health care.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Sudden weight loss can increase the risk of gallstone formation, so aim for a gradual reduction. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 10 Jan. 2025

The other Note 14 phones offer a gradual drop-off in specs and connectivity. —Dominic Preston, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025

Taken together with Friday’s bond buying suspension, the PBOC is trying to use a basket of tools to signal yuan stability and support a gradual decline in yields, said Zong Liang, chief researcher at the Bank of China. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2025

The gradual opening of the Northwest Passage has allowed more and more military and commercial ships to cross over or near the North Pole in recent years, potentially reducing their voyages by thousands of miles. —Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Medieval Latin gradualis, from Latin gradus

Noun

Middle English, from Medieval Latin graduale, from Latin gradus step; from its being sung on the steps of the altar

First Known Use

Adjective

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

gradual

adjective

grad·​u·​al

ˈgraj-(ə-)wəl,

ˈgraj-əl

1

: proceeding by steps or degrees

2

: moving or changing by slight degrees

gradually adverb

gradualness noun