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

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through the end of the week before a gradual warming trend begins. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

These challenges require thoughtful planning, continuous training for business users and IT teams and a gradual and iterative approach to AI implementation. —Joydeb Mandal, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

Josh Teitelbaum, senior counsel of Akin, which advises U.S. shippers, says the business community is pleased to see Trump take a gradual approach before moving forward with wide-ranging tariffs. —Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 22 Jan. 2025

Some are lucky to have a strong start that continues to build momentum, but for me, it’s been more gradual. —Ben Croll, Variety, 21 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